Google Meet, a videoconferencing tool by Google
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 Meet 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).
Cost: Free limited version with a Google Account + paid options available.
Respect for privacy 
Privacy evaluations indicate how a tool handles personal data collection, storage, and sharing, including GDPR compliance and security measures, among others. The ICT-REV team provides them for informational purposes, reflecting our best understanding at the time of review, but assumes no legal responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of these evaluations and encourages users to conduct their own assessments: Medium/low. Google is well known for using user data for advertising and marketing purposes. However, it offers 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.
Type Of Interaction:
Group/pair work - classmates,
Presenting (e.g. lecturing, storytelling),
Content:
Website/other users supply,
You supply,
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.
Saving work for future use Can work be saved for future use?: No, although users can record their meetings.
Any other relevant information:
- Installation required?: Not for the browser version; yes for the apps.
- Compatibility/ Operating System: Any browser; Android, iOS.