Overview
Google Meet is a video conferencing platform developed by Google as part of the G Suite (now Google Workspace). It focuses on simplicity and integration with other Google apps.
Key Features:
- Secure video meetings with encryption.
- Integration with Google Calendar.
- Screen sharing and presentation mode.
- Real-time captions.
- Recording and automatic transcription.
- Accessible on various devices.
- Integration with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Use Cases: Google Meet is commonly used for business meetings, remote collaboration, virtual classrooms, and connecting with individuals through Gmail.
Google Meet is a popular video conferencing platform that offers some accessibility features for users who rely on screen readers.
Google Meet Meeting Interface
1. Joining or Starting a Meeting:
- To join a meeting, you typically click on a meeting link or enter a meeting code provided by the meeting organizer.
- To start your own meeting, you may need to use Google Calendar or the Google Meet website to schedule a meeting and obtain a link.
2. Meeting Controls:
- Once you’re in a meeting, you will encounter various controls and elements. These include:
- The meeting window, which displays the video feeds of participants.
- The menu bar at the bottom, which contains controls such as mute/unmute, turn on/off video, chat, participants, and more.
3. Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Google Meet provides keyboard shortcuts to navigate and control meetings. Common shortcuts include:
- Press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Command + D (Mac) to mute/unmute your microphone.
- Press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Command + E (Mac) to turn your video on/off.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H (Windows) or Command + Option + Shift + H (Mac) to view a list of keyboard shortcuts.
4. Chat Panel:
- You can open the chat panel to send and receive text messages. The screen reader should announce when new messages arrive.
5. Participants List:
- You can access a list of participants in the meeting. The screen reader can announce the names of participants as they join or leave.
6. Screen Sharing:
- When someone shares their screen, the screen reader should announce this. You can navigate through the shared content.
Google Meet Settings:
1. Accessibility Settings:
- Google Meet offers some accessibility settings, such as enabling live captions and using keyboard shortcuts. Check the settings for accessibility options and preferences.
2. Audio and Video Settings:
- You can access settings to configure your audio and video input devices. The screen reader should announce the available options.
3. Meeting Recording:
- If the meeting is being recorded, you can usually access a recording link or notification. The screen reader will announce this.
Ending the Meeting:
To leave the meeting, you typically click the “Leave” or “End Meeting” button. The screen reader should announce these options.
Creating Google Meet Link
Method 1: Using Google Calendar
- Open Google Calendar:
- Open your preferred web browser and navigate to Google Calendar.
- Sign in to your Google account if you’re not already signed in.
- Create a New Event:
- Use your screen reader to navigate to the “Create” button or press the keyboard shortcut for creating a new event. In most cases, it’s the “C” key.
- Fill in Event Details:
- Enter the event title, date, and time. You can also set the event to repeat if it’s a recurring meeting.
- Add Google Meet:
- Locate the “Add Google Meet” option in the event details. This will automatically generate a Google Meet link for the meeting.
- Save the Event:
- After filling in the event details and adding Google Meet, navigate to the “Save” button and activate it with your screen reader.
- Copy the Google Meet Link:
- After saving the event, the Google Meet link for the meeting will be generated. Use your screen reader to copy the link to your clipboard. This link can be shared with participants.
Method 2: Using Google Meet Website
- Open Google Meet:
- Open your web browser and go to the Google Meet website.
- Sign in to your Google account if you’re not already signed in.
- Start a Meeting:
- Use your screen reader to navigate to the “Start a meeting” button or link. Activate it to create a new meeting.
- Copy the Meeting Link:
- Once the meeting room is created, you can use your screen reader to locate and copy the meeting link. This link can be shared with participants.
Shortcut Key Commands
Google Meet offers various keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate and control meetings more efficiently. These keyboard shortcuts can be especially useful for users who rely on keyboard commands or screen readers. Here are some common keyboard shortcuts for Google Meet:
General Meeting Controls:
- Turn camera on/off: Press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Command + E (Mac).
- Mute/unmute microphone: Press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Command + D (Mac).
- Start/stop screen sharing: Press Ctrl + Alt + S (Windows) or Command + Option + S (Mac).
- Raise/lower your hand: Press Ctrl + Alt + H (Windows) or Command + Option + H (Mac).
- Show/hide the chat: Press Ctrl + Alt + C (Windows) or Command + Option + C (Mac).
- Open/close the participants list: Press Ctrl + Alt + U (Windows) or Command + Option + U (Mac).
Navigation:
- Switch to tile view: Press Ctrl + Alt + 1 (Windows) or Command + Option + 1 (Mac).
- Switch to spotlight view: Press Ctrl + Alt + 2 (Windows) or Command + Option + 2 (Mac).
- Switch to sidebar: Press Ctrl + Alt + 3 (Windows) or Command + Option + 3 (Mac).
- Activate accessibility shortcuts help: Press Ctrl + Alt + ? (Windows) or Command + Option + ? (Mac).
Other Actions:
- Open the settings menu: Press Ctrl + Alt + F (Windows) or Command + Option + F (Mac).
- Start/stop recording: Press Ctrl + Alt + R (Windows) or Command + Option + R (Mac) if you’re the host.
- Lock/unlock the meeting: Press Ctrl + Alt + L (Windows) or Command + Option + L (Mac) if you’re the host.
- End the meeting for all: Press Ctrl + Alt + Backspace (Windows) or Command + Option + Backspace (Mac) if you’re the host.