I was learning about group 14 of the periodic table and in the course, on Alison (link at the bottom), it said a reaction of the elements in group 14, they use group 4, would consist of sharing electrons. They explained it to what I believe is from going to 2,8,4, Silicon, to 2,4,8 in order to get the full shell. I am very confused at how exactly that one works. But everywhere else, it was stated that the elements in Group 14 lost or gained 4 electrons. But the course said it wouldn't gain or lose any electrons. Is the course a bit more advanced than the others or is it just wrong?
Also, is it just called an electron shell or is there some other title for it, because shell doesn't really sound too scientific.
https://alison.com/topic/learn/17074/full-shells-metals-and-non-metals
Thanks for the help!