Google Meet, a videoconferencing tool by Google
Video conferencing
Description: Google Meet is a video conferencing tool for hosting virtual meetings, conferences, and online classes. Users can initiate or join video meetings through the Google Meet website or app. Meetings can be scheduled in advance or started instantly, and participants can join via a meeting link or dial-in number. During meetings, participants can share their screen, present slides, chat, and collaborate in real time. Meeting hosts can pin, mute or remove participants. Google Meet was developed by Google LLC. Google Meet is free to use for anyone with a Google account, although participants can join meetings without signing up or having an account.
Evaluation: Google Meets is a useful tool for educators in hybrid or distance learning settings to meet online with their students, or for groups of students to work together. However, it is not the most privacy-friendly videoconferencing tool in this inventory (see the “Respect for privacy” section for more information). It is easy to use and has an intuitive interface, so basic IT skills should suffice.
Cost: Free limited version with a Google Account + paid options available.
Usability and tech notes ▼
Time efficiency Time needed to learn how to use a tool and its time-saving potential: High.
Interface language(s) The number of languages in which the tool is currently available/adaptable to: Dozens of languaes.
Respect for privacy What data does the tool collect and why? What security measures are there? GDPR compliant? : Medium/low. Google is well known for using user data for advertising and marketing purposes. However, Google Meets does offer a high degree of data security, which is key for holding online conversations. Google allows users to download their user data. It does not state compliance with the GDPR. Other more privacy-friendly options would be Jitsi or BigBlueButton.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: Yes