Google+ (Google's alternative to Facebook) holds much potential for classroom to classroom collaborations and connections!

Besides offering an opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends and "be social,"  Google offers much, much more with Google+, Google Communities and Google Hangouts (and Hangouts on Air--recordable)

Jen Zurawski, a library media tech specialist/coach for West DePere Schools and 2013 Golden Apple Teacher award winner, tweets about the many ways Hangouts have been used in their classrooms, (connecting with authors, Read Across Americ and more fun uses!) She also shares much of what happens in their classrooms via her YouTube Channel. 

First, you need a Google account

Here's a good step by step how to created by the folks at Mashable.com:

The Beginner's Guide to Google+ 

Second, it's highly recommended that you join the Google Connected Classrooms Community 

Third, learn about using Google Hangouts 

Check out this very nice Hangouts Guide for Teachers, which includes how to's and some classroom ideas

Check back here for more resources in the future!!