Reflections on second trial FlashMeeting

This week's meeting was attended by seven colleagues from Moray to East Lothian to East Dunbartonshire. Despite everyone being new to this method of communication, all became comfortable with the functions of the FlashMeeting really quickly and we managed to discuss a few education topics within the hour (teaching different levels in the same class, Health Promoting Schools, initial assessment). Attendees spoke of their backgrounds and which issues they would like to see covered by the Network.

Having passed on further advice from those running the FlashMeeting site well in advance, many of those who wished to participate but were unable to do so had informed me in the hours and days beforehand. Many teachers are actively seeking out solutions to the current blocking of their participation. From certain quarters, I'm hearing that IT support have been helpful and just need time to arrange the opening of ports. I am asking those who are blocked to tell me if they are going to pursue the solution or if I can assist in some way.

Some things for me to think about:

• should at least some of the meetings be recorded so that participants can revisit discussions, chat log, links etc?
• colleagues should be invited to have a pen and paper to hand if the meeting is not being recorded
• as the content of meetings becomes important, I will probably take brief notes that can be shared with the rest of the Network
• what does a web conference host do differently from one hosting an in-room conference?
• a brief questionnaire before the end of term which mainly allows teachers to book for one or more of the Autumn FlashMeetings, but also allows for feedback, flagging-up of issues, and agreement to share details with others on the Network.

I'm close to putting together details of the first six online meetings (August to December); there will be general meet-ups, subject specific ones, further trials, 'show and tell' etc Keep an eye on this blog during next week!