Google's virtual classroom space for students

Students are now able to use the “Meet” function on Google Classroom, which was previously only available to teachers.

Google Classroom is increasingly becoming a one-stop digital shop for remote education, with the introduction of the “Meet” function for students aiming to make learning easier.

In use since the second term of 2015, Classroom has been an invaluable tool, particularly during COVID-19-enforced lockdowns in NSW.

However, until now Meet — Google’s real-time video meeting function — had only been available to teachers, with students having to use other technologies such as Zoom for online collaborations.

The technology is particularly useful for remote locations, where connectedness is more important than ever.

Meet can be accessed from Google Classroom, Calendar or the Meet interface itself, making for straightforward use.

Like a number of similar technologies, there’s plenty of control for the host, who can take charge of mute functions for a better experience.

The screen can be shared, or a “Jamboard” — Google’s interactive whiteboard function — can be used concurrently to inspire collaboration.

“The Department’s focus on innovation and providing teachers with effective, integrated tools, backed up by professional learning and support is helping to ensure they can get the most out of the technology available to them,” said NSW Education Secretary Georgina Harrison.

“This is critical even without the challenges of remote teaching or learning, especially in small schools in remote regions.

“These integrated connectivity tools not only open up a whole range of teaching options for isolated students, they also allow for more effective collaboration with colleagues across the state and further opportunities for bringing speakers and specialist teachers into their classrooms.”

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