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During the last couple of days I, along with others, have had a good stab at getting started with the Video Conferencing (VC) and Chat tools in the ‘Phase 2’ trial of the Glow portal. During my return Journey from London, I decided to ‘splash-out’ and purchase some credits for GNER’s wifi. Contrary to my previous experiences with this wireless network, the connection was relatively reliable (it only cut-out about six times during the whole journey!) As I had been coordinating a late afternoon Glow video conference for a number of Glowers (they expressed interest in response to this post) I decided to logon to the portal early.

With no great expectations, I was able to communicate with Dorothy Code, John Johnston, EduBuzz ‘Agony Uncle’- David Gilmour and LTS’s very own Vicky MacKenzie! Though I could only communicate via text (no Web-cam on the laptop), I was able to listen to everyones conversation and I could also contribute to the session’s whiteboard. I was quite astonished by the quality of the GNER wifi connection. Following my return to Edinburgh that afternoon (45 minutes late- thanks GNER!), I was able to logon and join the session again from my flat. Neil Winton has posted a great summary of the Video Conference yesterday here.

All members of the session agreed that this first proper VC through the Glow portal was an immense success. We are currently planning a second session that will have a structured agenda. Following this, we are hoping that we will be able to share our knowledge and visions of Marratech Video Conferencing, during the ‘Phase 2’ trial, with our fellow Glow-ers around Scotland (by this time next week?)

My experience yesterday really does reinforce the fact that teaching and learning via Glow will be available anytime, anywhere; even if you are not stationary!

On behalf of the members of yesterday’s VC, I would like to thank Vicky MacKenzie at LTScotland for all her help in planning the session.

My screen shots and other relevant images of the Glow portal’s pilot can be found in Gordon McKinlay’s Flickr group here.

Unfotunately Brian Cunnigham was sunning-it in Barcelona, hence he was unable to join us. I will investigate the options for people such as Liz O’Neill and DavidNoble, who are not currently Glow mentors/members, tomorrow.

Please leave a comment or drop me an email if you are keen to get involved, or if you wish to find out more.