Wednesday, 27 August 2014

The 1st TeachMeet Fraser

On Tuesday 26 August the very first TeachMeet for the Fraser Coast region took place. My first experience of TeachMeets was during EduTech 2014 in Brisbane where I was fortunate to be one of the presenters. I love the idea behind TeachMeets, and this inspired me to organise a TeachMeet for the Fraser Coast. The venue for TM Fraser would be Carriers Arms Hotel in Maryborough, with a dedicated area set up for the afternoon. Here is a rundown of the first TM Fraser.

4:30 - People started to slowly arriving, and by 5pm we had 16 attendees. Several from my school, Riverside Christian College, and teachers from Aldridge SHS, Maryborough Special School, and Glendyne. Coen Ashton, and a pre-service teacher from USQ, plus a few other non-teaching guests with them. Also a Braydon Wilson driving all the way from Kingaroy to come be part of the TM (2hrs drive).

5:00 - Session 1
I kicked off the TM with an introduction and a video message from Matt Esterman from TM Sydney
What is TeachMeet



Next up TM Fraser was very fortunate to have Alfina Jackson presenting virtually via Google Hangouts. It was a fantastic talk about how she is 'Flipping the Classroom with Powtoon her K-2 classes'. Everyone loved the virtual element, but also the amazing work she is doing with Year 1 students. Here is a link to her presentation: 

Thirdly we had Year 4 teacher, Kylie Cook, presenting a fun interactive talk about how she explores fractions through chairs and chocolates. Lots of fun, and a few bagged some chocolates for their efforts.


We then had a 20 minute break where people could get a drink and have a chat.

5:45 - Session 2

 First up we had an amazing and powerful talk by, 17 year old, Coen Ashton. He has a tremendous life story and delivers talks to students regarding the power of organ donation, talking about cystic fibrosis and providing inspiration. Have a look at his website for details here: Coen Ashton




Up next was Braydan Wilson all the way from St Johns Lutheran College, Kingaroy. He talked about the use of Microsoft Office365 that is part of the Lutheran system, how it has improved since earlier versions and the collaborative power it possess. Also a short mention about education podcasts, how inspiring and challenging they can be, and where to go looking for them. Braydan is now keen to start up a TeachMeet in his area in the coming months.

Lastly was Larry McKeown, Year 8 teacher from Riverside, about the way that students learn and a fascinating discussion on brain-friendly learning and what he termed 'sticky learning'. Great talk and perfect finish to presentations.



There were still a number of discussions afterwards, ideas being shared and everyone is keen for another TeachMeet soon, and that will be in the pipeline for Term 4.

Thank you to all the presenters and the guests that made this first TeachMeet a great success. Looking forward to the idea taking off in the region and everyone returning to their schools, sharing what they had learnt and bringing along more people for the next one
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Monday, 28 July 2014

TeachMeet Fraser Coast & Wide Bay 26 August 2014

TeachMeet Fraser Coast 

Share & Connect 2014

26 August 2014 @ 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Fraser Coast TeachMeet @ Carriers Arms Hotel, Maryborough
The first ever Teachmeet for Fraser Coast and Wide Bay educators will be held on Tuesday August 26th, at Carriers Arms Hotel, Maryborough. The theme is 'Share & Connect', hosted by Jacques du Toit. It is an opportunity for teachers and preservice teachers to come together. Everyone is welcome - primary, secondary, independent, state, catholic, anglican, lutheran, university and anyone interested in education. A Teachmeet is a free meeting/unconference where teachers share good practice, practical ideas and personal insights into teaching with technology. 

 Join in, share and connect with teachers of our region.

Please Register below your attendance 
Come along and learn from others, or
Sign up to present a 2 or 7 minute presentation.
Please complete the form below:



Contact Jacques du Toit through Twitter @jdtriver or via email jdtriver@gmail.com if you need more information.


Follow the Twitter Hashtag #tmfraser for newsfeed and updates
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Welcome to the home of Teachmeet Fraser Coast and Wide Bay.

Welcome to the home of Teachmeet Fraser Coast and Wide Bay.

 Here you will find information regarding our Teachmeets, links to resources and ideas shared; and links to other Teachmeet networks around Australia.

 TeachMeet is a fantastic model for delivery of professional learning. It is a free and open exchange of ideas, innovation, strategies and experiences, TeachMeet's can be hosted by anyone. This site serves as a common starting point to share and promote engagement at #tmfraser events. Please contact the me for more info regarding running your own Teachmeet in the region.

 Key Aspects of TeachMeet Fraser events:


  • FREE for attendees
  • INFORMAL 
  • Making CONNECTIONS
  • Active PARTICIPATION
  • SHORT presentations
  • BUILDING our teaching community
  • BEST Professional development ever
  • LOCAL network

    • Look at the following links to get more info Teachmeets, they all have some valuable links and resources that are shared:

    Teachmeet Brisbane: http://tmbrisbane.wikispaces.com/
    Teachmeet Australia: http://www.teachmeet.net/



    Teachmeet Sydney Ambassador, Matt Esterman, sharing Why he loves Teachmeets:








    Disclaimer: TeachMeets are informally organised events which facilitate teachers sharing their classroom practice in the presence of other educators. Teachmeets are held at various locations around Australia. The venues we choose are a range of public and private establishments with various levels of risk to patrons. The hosts are responsible only for organising the event to the best of their ability. Attendees take it upon themselves to be responsible for their own safety and security – including that of their property. The venues we use will have their own arrangements for appropriate insurance and, by hosting an event, accept the normal responsibilities of that venue under typical circumstances. The hosts or organisers of TeachMeet events will not accept responsibility for the safety and security of participants or their individual satisfaction with the professional development provided on the day. This includes the presence of people under the age of 18, who must be under the supervision of a nominated parent, guardian or teacher for the duration of the TeachMeet at which they are present.
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