This guide will demonstrate how to add a Google Meet link into two areas of your Brightspace course: the News area and the Calendar Widget.
Why Use Google Meet in Brightspace?
If you are teaching remotely or in a hybrid or hyflex situation, Google Meets in Brightspace is a great way to connect with learners. It can also be used for office hours. As a bonus, it is easy for both faculty and students to use.
How Do I Add Google Meet to My Brightspace Course?
Adding a Google Meet link in the News Area of your Brightspace course is visible and easily accessed. Watch the following video to learn how to add a Google Meet link into the News area.
You can also add a Google Meet link in the Calendar Widget in Brightspace (please note that this link will NOT show up in your or your students' Google Calendar; however, you and your students can easily access the link in Brightspace).
Before you get started, you need to authorize Brightspace to access your Google account before you attempt to set up a Google Meet link in your course.
Authorizing Brightspace to access your SJC Google account is an easy, two-step process. First, click the Authorize button that appears in the Google Apps widget on the Brightspace Homepage. Then, enter your user name and password for your SJC Google account in the pop-up window that opens. Your SJC Google accounts should then appear Google Apps widget whenever you visit the Brightspace Homepage (or your course's homepage, since the widget appears there as well).
Note: If you prefer written instructions, check out the PDFs below the videos and in the Written Instructions box on the right-hand side of the page.
Add Google Meet Link to the News Area in Your Brightspace Course (1.56 Minutes)
Add Google Meet to the Calendar Widget in Brightspace (If You Have No Other Events Previously Scheduled) (3.27 minutes)
This video walks you through adding a Google Meet link to your Calendar if you do not yet have any previous events scheduled. If you do have previous events scheduled, please watch the 2nd video below (Add Google Meet to the Calendar Widget in Brightspace - if you have previous events scheduled).
Note: If you create a Google Meet link in your Calendar widget in Brightspace, it will NOT show up on your Google Calendar. It is in Brightspace only.
Scheduling a Google Meet in your Calendar Widget (If You Have Previous Events Scheduled) (2.17 minutes)
This video demonstrates how to add a Google Meet link if you have previous events scheduled in your Calendar Widget.
Which is better, Google Meet or Virtual Classroom?
It comes down to personal preference. Both platforms allow the user to:
Google Meet may have an advantage in that you can add one Google Meet link to your Brightspace course, and students can access and attend the meeting all semester.
Note: In Virtual Classroom, you can set up the meetings to automatically record. Google Meets requires you to manually record each meeting at the start of the meeting. The Google Meet recording automatically is deposited in your Google Drive once the meeting is over.
Keep in mind that these platforms are constantly improving to meet the needs of the public, so choose the platform that is best for you and your students.
I am having issues with Google Meet. Who do I contact?
Google Meet is supported by the ITeam. You can reach them by emailing iteam@sjcme.edu.
If I add a Google Meet link to my Brightspace calendar, will it populate on my and my students' Google Calendar?
No, it does not show up on your or your student's Google Calendar, but it is easily accessible in Brightspace.
Have technical questions or concerns about these features? Email asktei@sjcme.edu.
For training information, see below.
