Item: Google Meet
Rating: 8
Author: Carly McPartland

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

Our group presently uses Google Hangouts Meet as a critical tool within online instruction through COVID. We are engaging students across all classrooms, contents, and grade levels with direct, live instruction, as well as recorded lessons with asynchronous learners. We also utilize it for building-wide and district-wide meetings, engaging all staff simultaneously.

Pros and Cons

Integration of other apps, like JamBoard
Easy-to-use interface
Integrated with Google Calendar
Breakout rooms for smaller group discussion

Difficult to re-add individuals who have been removed from video
Default setting to “Spotlight” or “Grid View” can be challenging
Limited connectivity with large groups

Return on Investment

Larger reach of clients/potential learners
Continued instruction, even without in-person meetings
Works extremely well across the Google Suite of tools

Alternatives Considered

Zoom

We had the opportunity to use the video conferencing tool Zoom in meetings outside of the district. While the links were easy enough to access, the time constraints of using the free version kept meetings shorter than 45 minutes. The singular positive of Zoom, breakout rooms, has also now been integrated into Google Hangouts Meet. Knowing that individuals do not need a Google accounts to access a meeting, there is no comparing Zoom to Google Hangouts Meet. This platform is far easier and more confidential than Zoom.

Usability

We have had to use this program with children as young as five through high school seniors. Additionally, both new and seasoned teachers with varying technological skills have used it. Across all circumstances, students and teachers are able to easily access meetings, schedule meetings, and revisit links as part of their classrooms.

Support Rating

Google does a great job of providing tech support for this product, as it does many others. Similarly, Google has FAQs that cover a large amount of issues faced by users. Problems have not persisted in our use of this product. Problems are resolved quickly and easily, with or without personal Google support.

Key Insights

Do you think Google Meet delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Google Meet's feature set?

Yes

Did Google Meet live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of Google Meet go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Google Meet again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Google Jamboard, Canva, Frontline Absence Management (formerly Aesop)

Likelihood to Recommend

As we work to provide instruction during a global pandemic, we are moving from in-person to remote learning fluidly. Using Google Hangouts Meet, students are able to see the teacher as well as the instruction provided on a Google Chrome tab or other connected device. Through presenting their screen, presenters can share a presentation with viewers while still being able to interact. Similarly, the chat and closed captioning features make accessibility even easier to solidify.

Search No Further: Google is Eager to Meet Your Expectations

Overall Satisfaction with Google Hangouts Meet