Creating breakout rooms in Google Meet allows users to split a large meeting into smaller, more focused groups. This feature is perfect for classrooms, team meetings, or any scenario where small group discussions enhance collaboration. Here’s how you can easily set up breakout rooms in Google Meet.
Step by Step Tutorial for Creating Breakout Rooms in Google Meet
Setting up breakout rooms in Google Meet is straightforward. Follow these steps to break your main meeting into multiple smaller sessions.
Step 1: Start a Google Meet
First, you need to start a meeting in Google Meet.
Open Google Meet, and either create a new meeting or join an existing one.
Once you have entered the meeting, you’ll see various options at the bottom of your screen. Make sure everyone who needs to be in the breakout rooms is present in this main meeting before proceeding.
Step 2: Open the Activities Panel
Next, you need to open the activities panel.
Click on the "Activities" icon, which looks like a triangle, square, and circle, located in the top-right corner.
This panel gives you access to different interactive features in Google Meet, such as polls, Q&A, and, most importantly, breakout rooms.
Step 3: Select Breakout Rooms
Find and click on the "Breakout rooms" option within the Activities panel.
This will open a new window where you can configure the breakout rooms.
You’ll see a new menu that lets you create, configure, and manage your breakout rooms. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4: Set the Number of Rooms
Determine how many breakout rooms you need.
Use the drop-down menu or the "+" and "-" buttons to set the desired number of rooms.
Google Meet allows you to create up to 100 breakout rooms, making it suitable for both small and large gatherings. Adjust the number of rooms based on your group size and objectives.
Step 5: Assign Participants
Assign participants to each breakout room.
You can do this manually by dragging and dropping names into different rooms, or automatically by clicking "Shuffle."
Manual assignment gives you more control over who works together, while the auto-assign feature saves time. Ensure that each room has a balanced number of participants for effective discussions.
Step 6: Start Breakout Rooms
Finally, start the breakout rooms.
Click "Open rooms" to begin the breakout sessions.
Participants will be notified and moved to their assigned rooms. You can join any room to monitor progress or provide assistance as needed.
After completing these steps, everyone will be divided into their respective breakout rooms and ready to collaborate in smaller groups.
Tips for Creating Breakout Rooms in Google Meet
- Plan Ahead: Before the meeting, decide on the number of breakout rooms and the participants for each room.
- Set a Timer: Use the timer feature to keep breakout sessions on track and ensure timely regrouping.
- Clear Instructions: Provide clear instructions to participants about what they need to accomplish in their breakout rooms.
- Tech Check: Ensure all participants are familiar with joining breakout rooms and have a stable internet connection.
- Rejoining Main Room: Make it clear how and when participants should rejoin the main meeting room.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creating Breakout Rooms in Google Meet
How many breakout rooms can I create?
You can create up to 100 breakout rooms in Google Meet.
Can participants move between breakout rooms?
No, only the meeting host can move participants between breakout rooms.
Can I create breakout rooms on a mobile device?
Currently, breakout rooms can only be created from the desktop version of Google Meet.
Can co-hosts manage breakout rooms?
Yes, co-hosts can also create and manage breakout rooms if they have the necessary permissions.
Will participants know when the breakout rooms are ending?
Yes, participants will be notified before the breakout rooms close and be given time to wrap up their discussions.
Summary
- Start a Google Meet.
- Open the Activities panel.
- Select Breakout Rooms.
- Set the number of rooms.
- Assign participants.
- Start breakout rooms.
Conclusion
Creating breakout rooms in Google Meet is an excellent way to foster more intimate and effective discussions within a larger meeting. Whether you’re a teacher looking to facilitate group work or a manager aiming to enhance team collaboration, breakout rooms can significantly enhance the meeting experience.
By following these steps, you can smoothly transition from a single large meeting to multiple smaller, focused groups, thereby maximizing productivity and engagement.
So, the next time you’re hosting a meeting on Google Meet, don’t hesitate to break it down into breakout rooms. Experiment with different group sizes and configurations to find what works best for your needs. Happy meeting!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.