Google Meet has been used every school day since the dawn of our distance learning. We open our Chromebooks, go on Schoology, and open up a link to the Google Meet. We wait for the class to start, and then we start listening to our teachers; this is a simple but repetitive routine.
In Loudoun County, many students and teachers have probably never used or heard of Google Meet before distance learning. When school was open, people physically went to class and waited for the teacher to introduce them to the topic. Due to COVID-19, such activities are not possible because they could risk student exposure to the virus.
Nevertheless, distance learning is not all that bad. Instead of locating your class around the school building, you can log into the Schoology page and click on the Google Meet link; it is very convenient and less stressful. Perhaps you have the urge to use the bathroom, but class is about to start, and you wouldn’t want to be late. Well, without the need of having to worry about being late for class, you may use the bathroom reassuringly and enter the Google Meet once you’re finished.
Furthermore, Google Meet has features that can make the job of a teacher easier. Breakout Rooms are commonly used to divide students into groups. Anyone can present their screens to the whole class, but it’s best to do it with the teacher’s permission. Teachers may post polls for students to answer. All of these factors are, no doubt, convenient.
Google Meet has risen to the point where it has become necessary for students who are distance learning to communicate with their classmates and teachers for learning purposes. Distance learning with Google Meet has helped students reach their class without the need of having to walk to their classroom. Features within Google Meet, such as Breakout Rooms, have helped teachers teach their students. Google Meet has definitely helped schools whether you like it or not. Without programs such as Google Meet, it would’ve been more difficult for students, who are distance learning, to learn.
