Glow Meet – Skype for Business
From April 2018, the Glow Meet service will be delivered through Microsoft Skype for Business. This will replace the existing service, currently delivered through Adobe Connect and remove the need for individuals to take on the role of Glow Meet hosts.
The Glow TV calendar of events will no longer be available but the Education Scotland Glow TV recordings will be made available on the Glow video channel. Skype for Business will still provide opportunities to run nationally available events across Scotland.
Why would I use it?
- Supporting professional development opportunities for staff e.g. workshops delivered online for staff to join regardless of geographical location
- Delivering learning opportunities for pupils with subjects or topics delivered online. This could extend opportunities across schools if this wasn’t available in their location e.g. Higher Music supported via Skype
- Collaboration across classrooms e.g. educators can seek out connections with other classes in their authority, in Scotland or even around the world to give them a glimpse into other cultures and lifestyles e.g. learning a new language with others
- Enabling better collaboration for group projects and extracurricular activities e.g. supporting staff working groups from a range of schools or authorities with planning
- Interview with an expert: bring in outside perspective with someone experienced in a topic or area to support what you are learning e.g. Q&A with the fire service during Bonfire Night
- National collaboration opportunities with partner organisations e.g. Glow Meet in partnership with the Scottish Space School with NASA astronauts and engineers for establishments from across Scotland.
How do I get started?
There are a number of ways to set up a Skype for Business meeting in Glow.
- Outlook online/client
- Skype for Business Web Scheduler
The purpose of your meeting may determine which option would be most suitable. A summary of options to schedule a Skype for Business meeting is below:
| Scheduling a meeting using | Options overview | Considerations |
|
Outlook online |
Basic options when setting up – can’t specify presenters or decide who can bypass the lobby
Users can join the meeting at any time and switch on cameras and microphones You can send meeting invites to users (both in and out with Glow) in the Add People section and keep track of events in your calendar.
|
Suitable for smaller meetings where you want to collaborate
Easy to set up and invite users using meeting requests or links The online meeting is open for people to access prior to the event You don’t require any additional clients or downloads to set up an online meeting. |
|
Skype for Business Web Scheduler |
Can specify presenters when setting up the meeting
Can lock a meeting to ensure a presenter is online before users can access the meeting You need to copy and send the meeting details as a meeting invite is not automatically generated Meetings are added to the Skype for Business Web Scheduler but not your Outlook calendar |
Default options suitable for smaller meetings where you want to collaborate
Web Scheduler also provides options to tailor permissions to limit participation prior to the meeting. You don’t require any additional clients or downloads to set up an online meeting. |
| Outlook desktop client integrated with Glow email address
For this option you need the Outlook desktop client to be installed and the required permissions to be able to sign in with your Glow email address. This may not be possible on local authority/corporate devices. |
||
|
Outlook desktop client integrated with Glow email address |
Extensive meeting options including: specifying presenters, lobby settings and locking a meeting prior to it starting
Can limit participation by disabling instant messaging, mute all attendees or block attendees’ video prior to the meeting. |
Suitable for larger scale meetings or where you want to limit participation before users join the event e.g. a Glow TV event
You need the Outlook desktop client to be installed and the required permissions to be able to sign in with your Glow email address. This may not be possible on local authority/corporate devices. |
For step by step help on scheduling, opening and managing a meeting visit the Skype for Business Guides page.
Further help and support
Glow Meet – Skype for Business Guidance (full version)
Microsoft help
Quick start Skype Meetings App
Skype for Business in Scottish Education videos
Video from Greg Coburn, West Lothian – Skype How To
Video from Greg Coburn, West Lothian – Skype tools overview