Virtual+Group+1

Group 1 - Virtual Meetings

//**DRIVING QUESTION:**//

 * //How could virtual tools be used for mentoring and meetings?//**

//**What kinds of meetings would best suit working with coaches in mentoring situations? If possible, discuss specific tools for virtual meetings and a protocol for those meetings.**//

What situations are conducive for virtual meetings? > What resources will best address our needs as TIMS in creating virtual meetings? > What advantages do virtual meetings have over face-to-face meetings? > What disadvantages do virtual meetings have over face-to-face meetings? > In working with coaches, especially individually, how would virtual meetings compare with face-to-face? > Asynchronous virtual PD
 * information sharing
 * limit to an hour on focus items
 * planning meetings
 * if something happens quickly, and you need more interaction than an email
 * cross IU connections via videoconferencing
 * coaches with teachers - using skype and Elluminate with their interactions sometimes, "office hours"
 * Using videoconferencing, provides opportunities for learning for the coaches, the equipment, etiquette, etc.
 * Skype
 * Elluminate, and others like this i.e., Adobe Connect
 * Videoconferencing for certain activities (see above)
 * IU versions, i.e. CAIU OnSync
 * Google Chat
 * Travel (some are not allowing for teachers/coaches to be released now)
 * Costs
 * Convenience
 * Increased participation/attendance due to the above
 * Recordability for those not present
 * Meetings for purpose, not to fill time
 * Optional meetings for those who want to attend
 * Answer to weather conditions
 * Meetings offered in both formats: physically and virtually
 * Teachers with union issues more willing to participate virtually
 * Even during snow days, coaches/teachers are attending
 * Lose personal connection
 * Collaboration activities are more difficult
 * More relaxed in physical setting
 * Not ideal for new coaches
 * Pam had her coaches generate topics; some for face-to-face meetings, and some for virtual meetings and the coaches take ownership for facilitating the topic through Elluminate. Coaches are now taking more control of their learning.
 * Asynchronous PD via Moodle, Bb, etc. Coaches build PD in Moodle and Cheryl is facilitator. Coaches create varying PD workshops, courses, etc. and will share among the districts.