ENTRY 2 - GOOGLE MEET

GOOGLE MEET.

Previously named Google Hangout, Google Meet is an application developed by Google. Google Meet is an entirely web based conference tool that allows users to connect with audio, video and chat. Google Meet is a platform that can be used to connect with everyone regardless of wherever you might be in this whole wide world. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Google Meet has made its way up to be one of the most popular tools used by almost every corporate person especially amongst teachers. 

FEATURES OF THE TOOL.

During the pandemic, I've been using Google Meet for most of my classes and here's what I found :

PROS:

1. Web-based

• Google Meet is entirely web based and does not require any download. 

2. Simple interface

• A conference can be held with only 3 steps. The interface is clean and easy to understand.

3. Can customize background and visual effects.

•  Suits one's taste and need. For example, person A likes emo things, however person B do not. So, it gives them better chance at representing themselves or their corporate.

4. Screen share.

• Screen sharing made presentation and slides accessible to all without having to virtually send out the presentation to every single participant.

 

5. Built in caption.

• The auto caption transcribes every word the speaker would say. This can aid hearing impaired people to understand better and don't feel left out. 

CONS:

• Each meeting is limited to 60 minutes without premium plan.
• The caption doesn't work.
• Can't record meeting without premium plan.

In my opinion, Google Meet is one of the best tools a teacher can use to help with teaching and learning. Because, firstly, it's web based. We don't have to download the app in our devices just to use it which will helps a lot on devices with low storage like mine. (It's full of something else).. 😀

Secondly, because of the simple interface. You can create a meeting with the help of only two buttons. Something even my cat can do! However, my most favourite feature in Google Meet is the built in caption. Although it's not very useful for non-English speakers, I'm sure, most people with hearing difficulties all around the world can still benefit from it. 

BENEFIT OF THE TOOL IN TEACHING.

In Malaysia, during the pandemic, most of the teachers opt for Google Meet because it's the most user-friendly tool when compared to other conference tool. Teachers can create a meeting with a click of two button in which the link can be given out to the students via social medias.

1. Help teacher to communicate better with students.

Despite being physically away from class, teachers still can interact with their students via video and audio. With visual help from live video, students will be able to understand their teacher better by looking at their body language and facial expression when teaching. This can improve the communication between the teacher and their students. Google Meet helps teacher to conduct face to face classes as per usual. 

 They can also use the Jam whiteboard to aid them in teaching. Just like a real whiteboard. Both teachers and the students can use the whiteboard at the same time.

BENEFIT OF THE TOOL IN LEARNING. 

1. Learning is accessible from everywhere.

Students can still have access to learn new things despite not being there physically. For example, students from Malaysian can join classes that is conducted from the United Kingdom. During Covid-19 pandemic, students weren't allowed to go to school due to the movement restriction made by the government. However, with the help of Google Classroom, students all across Malaysia are able to finish their study and syllabus. Google Meet is a great tool of making sure the student could still learn with their teachers despite not being physically able to. 

HERE'S HOW TO CREATE A MEETING USING GOOGLE MEET.

1. Click on this link: Google Meet or search for Google Meet on your search engine.

2. Click on new meeting.

3. Click on start instant meeting. 

Tadaa.. all done in 3 easy steps! 😁.