Google Meet

Google has announced the following updates to Google Meet. Some of these can now be accessed by joining the beta. I am particularly excited about:

• Moderator Controls -- Once you understand this workflow, you will be able to focus less on the mechanics and more on the lesson and interactions. Suggestion: You can always ask one of your students to monitor that chat to let you know if there are questions that need to be answered.

• Breakout Rooms: Small group collaboration and connections are key whether in the classroom or meeting virtually. Learning how to pop into a small-group virtual discussion and then rejoin a large group provides an opportunity for dynamic and engaging learning.

• Digital Whiteboard: Jamboard is a collaborative whiteboard that all Google teachers and students can easily access. Linking Jamboard to Meet is a no-brainer and will help teachers and students to demonstrate thinking and learning in a live environment.

• Quick Polls and Q&A: How better to check for understanding in the middle of a lesson than a quick poll. This is another great tool for engagement, as students love to also see visual, live feedback and teachers can use the poll information to guide how they present content.