EdTechRoundUp

#TMETRU09 was a fantastic evening. To my knowledge, it was not only the first-ever EdTechRoundUp TeachMeet, but the first one done solely online! Go to http://edtechroundup.wikispaces.com/TMETRU09 for all of the links and resources related to the event.

Some people have asked how we did organized a completely-online TeachMeet. Here’s a brief overview:

Well before the TeachMeet

1. Discussed the who? what? when? where? why? questions as a group.
2. Set up a wiki page on the TeachMeet wiki
3. Assign roles (overview, setting up accounts, etc.)
4. Thought up a hashtag (in this case #TMETRU09) and used it in tweets from then on
5. Encouraged people to sign up to record a presentation or do one live.
6. Set up a Diigo account to collate links.

Just before the TeachMeet

1. Booked FlashMeeting.
2. Signed up for Justin.tv for live stream.
3. Tidied up the wiki page.
4. Reminded those who hadn’t recorded presentations to do so.
5. Sent out tweets building up anticipation.
6. Tested using SoundFlower and CamTwist (Mac-only?) to stream out FlashMeeting and presentations.
7. Discussed roles on the evening (who to host, introduce videos, etc.)
8. Sent presenters private link to FlashMeeting.
9. Made sure instructions for those viewing were clear on the wiki.

Evening of the TeachMeet

1. Hosts arrive early to FlashMeeting, check everything is working OK.
2. Last minute changes/preparations sorted.
3. Videos checked to make sure they’re working.
4. Barrage of tweets with hashtag sent out (add ‘Please RT!’)
5. Press both ‘Broadcast’ and ‘Record’ at Justin.tv.
6. Keep things light-hearted and be prepared for things to go wrong…