™Google Meetings can be started directly from your email or easily scheduled through Google calendar. It can also be easily integrated into Canvas Modules. While having fewer functions than the other Video Conference solutions, Big Blue Button, Google Meetings can be permanently recorded and have the comparative advantages of being more intuitive and less complicated than other solutions along with strong synergy with Gmail and Google Calendar.
Compared to the other video conference tools, Google Meet is best used when the primary goal is face to face conversation or discussion in two-person or small group meetings. Additionally, it does not require the creation of a new account (as Zoom does) or require any third party application downloads (as both Zoom and Bluejeans push for). This combined with the tool's general ease and convenience makes it a good choice when the functions of Big Blue Button or Bluejeans are unneeded.
Due to the lower number of functions, Google Meet is less useful in more structured remote class settings. It also has fewer moderator controls, and while the ability to screen share allows for some level of presentation, this requires a secondary program to be run and managed simultaneously along with the video conference tool.
The Chrome web store offers extensions that can enhance the features of Google Meet. These are third-party tools that are not supported by Google or NNU. If you choose to use them, you will need to regularly check for updates.
This 40-second video provides an overview of how to begin or join a Google Meeting.
