Reflections on first trial FlashMeeting
Six teachers from around Scotland met late this afternoon, to participate in a trial FlashMeeting. The event 'kicked off' on time even though I was running about a minute before trying to get two other computers in the school to work with the webcam, headset and FlashMeeting website (but more on this later!).
Colleagues (from a range of provision) were introduced to the various functions within the meeting - chat, vote, emoticons. Later, we successfully used the webpage sharing tool. In typing a web address that I wanted to highlight, it appeared in the chat panel (where it could be copied), with those who allow pop-ups on their computer seeing the website appear on their screen automatically.
More that half of those who planned to attend were unable to do so. This appeared to result from one problem; that of the website being unable find the correct ports during the setting up and testing (of the webcam and headset) step just before entry into the meeting. For some this seemed unusual as it appeared previously that this was not going to be an issue. I emailed the organisers of the site for urgent advice on this matter, particularly because there is a further meeting next Thursday (all of those who didn't 'make it' will be invited to this).
Despite this, and the fact that I spent much time on the mobile to those facing the difficulties, attendees got on with discussing their initial impressions, comparing courses that they run, how to bring more colleagues 'on board', and how the Network might operate. This last part included the sharing of email addresses among those registered (with further permission, of course), and a suggestion that colleagues could act as a 'critical friend' to those introducing new units and courses or help with verifying pupil evidence.
Colleagues (from a range of provision) were introduced to the various functions within the meeting - chat, vote, emoticons. Later, we successfully used the webpage sharing tool. In typing a web address that I wanted to highlight, it appeared in the chat panel (where it could be copied), with those who allow pop-ups on their computer seeing the website appear on their screen automatically.
More that half of those who planned to attend were unable to do so. This appeared to result from one problem; that of the website being unable find the correct ports during the setting up and testing (of the webcam and headset) step just before entry into the meeting. For some this seemed unusual as it appeared previously that this was not going to be an issue. I emailed the organisers of the site for urgent advice on this matter, particularly because there is a further meeting next Thursday (all of those who didn't 'make it' will be invited to this).
Despite this, and the fact that I spent much time on the mobile to those facing the difficulties, attendees got on with discussing their initial impressions, comparing courses that they run, how to bring more colleagues 'on board', and how the Network might operate. This last part included the sharing of email addresses among those registered (with further permission, of course), and a suggestion that colleagues could act as a 'critical friend' to those introducing new units and courses or help with verifying pupil evidence.
posted by David Noble at Thursday, June 14, 2007
3 Comments:
I participated inthe trial flash meeting and was very impressed. I think it will take a little adjusting to the new technology but with a little more practice it could be the tool that some of us need to continue to develop new and exciting courses for our students. Thanks to the other particpants for all your suggestions.
I eventually managed to join the group - for the last five minutes - due to the technical difficulties and still experienced some. I'm looking forward to trying to log in again this week to take an active part in a discussion (other than just typing"Hi" and waving!
Perhaps there will be summaries produced of discussions that will be available to all who miss them due to such technical problems.
J. kerr
Thanks for taking the time to share your first experience of the Network. Trying everything out during June has been very useful, with some IT Support staff being particularly busy - helping to sort out problems by working with ourselves and the guys at FlashMeeting.
I'd hope that the support available through the Network will help to develop some courses, and an informative summary of discussions sounds a good idea. Of course FlashMeetings can be recorded so that any teacher could listen again and read the chat log etc, though this might only be suitable with certain small groups and where all agreed to being recorded.
Post a Comment
<< Home