I took part in a professional learning session with CORE this morning via Elluminate. Great fun and very interesting (lots of clever heads in the virtual room) – but it highlighted a few thoughts for me that might be worth sharing, if you are to make the most of online meet-ups:1. Get there early: you can scope the room, check out who’s doing what, and have a play with all the toys before the real business starts. Often the random chat that happens to those who get in early sets up friendships for the session and gives you enough confidence to participate later on.
2. Don’t be afraid to have a play: what’s the worst that can happen if you press something you aren’t sure about? There’s no ejector seat, and it’s all open if it’s meant to be open. Most buttons have a roll-over to explain what’s what anyway.
3. Get stuck in: use the chat box, wave your hand, throw in emoticons/smileys like confetti and get chatting. Lurking can be interesting – but joining in is fun:-)
4. Get ready to monitor several streams: have a coffee first;-) In this morning’s PD session with CORE, I had the chat box going with everyone’s comments, live video streaming from Derek Wenmoth, the hands-up/smiling/waving list of participants – and my web browser for chasing links and references. Phew!
5. Get ready for challenges: it can be a bumpy flight at times, so brace yourself and embrace the glitches as part of the learning. Groups can go quiet, headsets can falter, video can stall – but that’s life at the edge of the wave. It’s a healthy bunch of people who are cool with risk-taking. Be one of them.
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karen spencer 
Great post Karen
it’s all about taking risks and being prepared to have a go
glad you enjoyed this morning’s session
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I agree with all these Karen! I would also add, though I’m not sure all would agree with me, to never ever take it all too seriously. Trying to always sound clever and to make no mistakes or only talk at the right time puts far too much pressure on anyone to actually relax enough to enjoy it and make the most of it!
I love the way my colleagues are always ready to give something a go and to be positive about bumpy first-attempts!
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Hi Karen and Gina
Great to read your thoughts. I love these on the edge sessions we have. When things get really wild I find myself falling about laughing, and hooting and hollering here in my little office hideaway. I always learn loads and come away feeling both energised and wrecked!
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