Google Meet: Video Conferencing & Meetings

Google Meet is ALCO USA’s tool for video conferencing and online meetings. This guide covers starting meetings, features, participant management, and troubleshooting.

Starting a Meeting

Web Access

1. Go to meet.google.com
2. Sign in with your ALCO USA account
3. Click “New meeting”
4. Select “Create for later” or “Start an instant meeting”
5. Share the meeting link with participants

From Calendar

1. Open Google Calendar
2. Create a new event
3. Click “Add Google Meet video conferencing”
4. The Meet link is created automatically
5. Share the event with attendees

Mobile App

1. Download the Google Meet app
2. Sign in with your ALCO USA email
3. Tap “New meeting”
4. Share the code or link
5. Invite participants

Meeting Features

Video & Audio

• Mute/unmute the microphone
• Turn the camera on or off
• Adjust lighting
• Test audio before joining
• Choose from multiple microphone options

Screen Sharing

1. Click “Present now”
2. Select the entire screen or a window
3. Allow the sharing permission
4. Stop presenting to return to video
5. Others see your screen in real time

Chat & Comments

• Type messages to participants
• React with emojis
• Messages are saved during the meeting
• Download the chat transcript

Recording

• Only the meeting organizer can record
• Click “More options,” then “Record”
• The recording is saved to Google Drive
• Participants are notified of recording
• A transcript is auto-generated

Participant Management

Invite Participants

1. Share the meeting link via email
2. Copy and paste the link in chat
3. Send a calendar invite
4. Use the dial-in number for phone
5. Guests can join without an account

Meeting Controls

• Remove participants if needed
• Mute all participants
• Prevent unmuting (host only)
• Lock the meeting to prevent new joiners
• End the meeting for all participants

Host Controls

• Present in expanded view
• Focus on one participant
• See the active speaker
• Control who can present
• Remove disruptive participants

Troubleshooting

Cannot Hear Audio

• Check the microphone is unmuted
• Test speaker volume
• Select the correct audio device
• Try reconnecting
• Restart the Google Meet app

Video Not Working

• Allow camera permissions
• Check the camera isn’t blocked
• Try a different USB port
• Update the browser or app
• Try a different video device

Screen Sharing Issues

• Verify sharing permissions
• Restart the browser or app
• Check your internet connection
• Use a wired connection if possible

Meeting Etiquette

1. Arrive early: join 5-10 minutes before start
2. Mute by default until speaking
3. Use a professional or virtual background
4. Minimize distractions and close unnecessary apps
5. Look at the camera when speaking

Security & Privacy

Secure Meetings

• Use unique meeting codes
• Avoid sharing links in public channels
• Lock the meeting once started
• Remove unauthorized participants
• End the meeting completely when done

Privacy Controls

• Disable recording for confidential meetings
• Use “meet immediately” for sensitive topics
• Review the participant list
• Disable screen sharing when needed

Mobile Best Practices

1. Use cellular data or WiFi
2. Ensure adequate battery
3. Find a quiet environment
4. Hold the device at eye level
5. Test audio and video before joining

Contact

For Google Meet support, reach our team:

Email: Team@alcousa.org

Phone: +1(208) 391-7176

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM EST