30 Days of Google Classroom: A Guide for Future Educators

Day 6: Using Google Meet for Virtual Lessons – Running Live Classes and Discussions

Introduction

Live virtual lessons are an essential component of online and hybrid teaching. Google Meet, integrated within Google Classroom, allows educators to conduct real-time classes, facilitate discussions, and engage students in an interactive learning environment.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to set up Google Meet for virtual lessons, manage live sessions effectively, and encourage student participation.

Setting Up Google Meet in Google Classroom

Google Meet is built into Google Classroom, making it easy to schedule and manage virtual classes.

1. Generate a Google Meet Link for Your Classroom

Open Google Classroom and go to your class.
Click the Settings (gear icon) in the upper-right corner.
Scroll to the General section.
Click Generate Meet Link under the Google Meet section.
Toggle Visible to students ON or OFF, depending on when you want them to access it.
Click Save.

💡 Tip: Keep the Meet link hidden until class time to prevent students from joining early.

2. Sharing the Google Meet Link

The Meet link appears in the Stream tab and Classwork tab.
Teachers can also post the link as a Material or Announcement in Google Classroom.
Copy and paste the link into Google Calendar invitations for scheduled lessons.

Running a Live Google Meet Class

Once your Meet link is set up, follow these steps for a smooth virtual lesson:

1. Starting the Meeting

Click on the Meet link in Google Classroom.
Check your audio and video settings before joining.
Admit students from the waiting room if necessary.

2. Managing Student Participation

✔ Mute all students upon entry – Reduces background noise.
✔ Use the Raise Hand feature – Helps keep discussions structured.
✔ Enable chat for Q&A – Use the chat box for written questions.
✔ Use Breakout Rooms – Facilitate small group discussions.
✔ Monitor the Participants Tab – Keep track of attendance and behavior.

💡 Tip: If students are being disruptive, mute individuals or remove participants as needed.

Engaging Students During Virtual Lessons

To make online learning interactive, try these strategies:

🎤 Live Polls & Q&A – Use tools like Google Forms, Slido, or Mentimeter.
📊 Screen Sharing – Present slides, documents, or videos.
📝 Collaborative Whiteboards – Use Google Jamboard for brainstorming.
📖 Student-Led Discussions – Assign students as discussion leaders.
🏆 Virtual Rewards & Recognition – Acknowledge participation with shout-outs.

💡 Tip: Use interactive Google Slides with Pear Deck for real-time student input.

Recording & Sharing Google Meet Lessons

Recording lessons allows absent students to catch up later.

1. How to Record a Google Meet Session

Click the More Options (three-dot menu) in Google Meet.
Select Record Meeting.
Stop recording when finished.
The recording automatically saves to Google Drive.

2. Sharing the Recording in Google Classroom

Go to Google Drive > Meet Recordings.
Click Share and post the link in Classwork.
Set viewing permissions to “Anyone with the link” or restricted to students only.

💡 Tip: Post a Google Form quiz alongside the recording to check understanding.

Best Practices for Virtual Class Success

✔ Set clear expectations – Establish rules for muting, participation, and chat use.
✔ Encourage camera use – Helps create a more engaging class environment.
✔ Use a timer for activities – Keep discussions and group work on track.
✔ Monitor engagement – Call on students and use breakout rooms.
✔ Follow up with a summary – Post key points and assignments after class.

What’s Next?

Now that you can run live classes with Google Meet, in Day 7, we’ll explore Creating Announcements & Discussions in Google Classroom to keep students informed and engaged.

How do you use Google Meet for virtual lessons? Share your tips in the comments!