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Preparing for Online Training to Maximise Learning Outcomes
At PLD, we want every online professional learning session to be engaging, practical, and easy to follow. To help the audience get the most out of their training, a small amount of forward planning makes a big difference. This page outlines the recommended room layout and technology requirements ahead of your scheduled training session. By organising these elements in advance, you will help create an environment where staff can easily see, hear, and connect with the presenter – maximising the impact of the learning.
Navigate to the relevant sections using the tabs below:
Aim to bring the learning, the classroom programs, and the screening together on the same day that the online course is completed. Learning from the online course recordings is maximised when educators are organised with their screening information, as well as the PLD programs and manuals to reference.
Learning outcomes for participants are significantly reduced when the course is completed first, students are screened at a later date, and then the programs and planning are reviewed even later. Completing these steps alongside the Online Course leads to a stronger understanding and more effective implementation.
Preparation Tips
It is recommended that those registered have the following resources:
- Manuals: Print copies of the year-level manuals ready to reference (available here) or, if using an SSP Kit, have the Volume 1 and 2 Kit Manuals on hand.
- Screening Complete: Ensure teachers have either screened their current class or have access to the class placement test results. These results should be entered into the PLD tracking sheets. Information on which screenings to complete at different times of the year can be found here.
- PLD Programs: Staff must have the PLD programs for their year level available for reference while completing the Online Course.
Room Configuration
- View as a Group: To increase engagement, these recordings may be viewed as a group, pausing at any time to allow for discussion and collegial reflection.
- Use Pupil-Free Days: Instructions for scheduling online courses during pupil-free days or within Terms 1, 2, 3 or 4 are available here.
Recommended small group viewing of an online course:
Follow-Up Tips
- View as a Group: To increase engagement, these recordings may be viewed as a group, pausing at any time to allow for discussion and collegial reflection.
- Use Pupil-Free Days: Instructions for scheduling online courses during pupil-free days or within Terms 1, 2, 3 or 4 are available here.
PLD aims to deliver engaging online seminars in which participants can clearly see, hear, and connect with the presenter. A well-prepared room setup is essential for ensuring maximum visibility, interaction, and strong engagement. Please follow the guidelines below to support your preparation for the Online Seminar and help create a high-quality training experience.
Preparation Tips
It is recommended that those registered have the following resources:
- Manuals: Print copies of the year-level manuals ready to reference (available here) or, if using an SSP Kit, have the Volume 1 and 2 Kit Manuals on hand.
- Screening Complete: Ensure teachers have either screened their current class or have access to the class placement test results. These results should be entered into the PLD tracking sheets. Information on which screenings to complete at different times of the year can be found here.
- PLD Programs: Staff must have the PLD programs for their year level available for reference while completing the Online Seminar.
Technology Tips
- Test Your Setup: At least a week before the session, it is important to have a trial run of your webcam and speakers with the PLD office (email: [email protected]).
- Webcam Use: Ensure an operational webcam is switched ON at all times.
- Audio Setup
- Recommendation: Use a conferencing speaker/microphone device. For ~$250, they are a worthwhile investment to ensure clear communication for better training outcomes. (Example: Poly Sync Speakerphone)
- Not Recommendation: Do not use the smartboard’s built-in microphone and speakers. This will likely be unsuitable and make it hard for all parties to communicate clearly.
Note: Keep the speaker volume at a moderate level to avoid audio feedback.
Room Configuration
ALL attendees are recommended to be:
- Forward-facing and Clearly Visible: Attendees must be in full view of the camera (as opposed to side-facing or out of view) and facing the presenter.
- Seating Distance: ALL attendees must be seated within 1.5 metres of the screen (as opposed to being towards the middle or back of a room).
- Avoid Rows: Ensure none of the audience are in rows, or seated behind others, as this reduces visibility for the presenter.
- Splitting Larger Groups: For large groups, consider splitting into two groups and streaming the session simultaneously in two different rooms.
Follow-Up Tips
- Follow-up Coaching and Q&A: Upon completion of the course, schedule a follow-up coaching and Q&A session. This session allows educators to clarify any questions from the course and to receive feedback on their class tracking sheets. Book a follow-up session here.
Recommended small group viewing of an online seminar:
The presenter’s clear view and connection with each delegate:
What to Avoid:
- Avoid cramming the entire group into a single room.
- Avoid the audience being over 2 metres away from the screen.
- Avoid people being in rows and out of view of the presenter.
- Avoid staff talking in the background as the presenter is presenting.
- Avoid a U-shaped arrangement.
The agenda for the school-based training sessions is developed in consultation with your PLD consultant. As a general rule, rather than conducting a single full-day training session with the entire staff, PLD recommends dividing the training into junior, middle and upper primary cluster groups, each receiving dedicated and targeted year-level coaching time with the PLD instructor.
Important: To ensure time efficiency and to broaden what can be addressed during a single booking, PLD also requests that ALL staff complete their year-level specific half-day online course prior to the onsite training day.
Room Configuration
ALL attendees are recommended to be:
- Forward-facing and Clearly Visible: Attendees must be in full view of the camera (as opposed to side-facing or out of view) and facing the presenter.
- Seating Distance: ALL attendees must be seated within 1.5 metres of the screen (as opposed to being towards the middle or back of a room).
- Avoid Rows: Ensure none of the audience are in rows, or seated behind others, as this reduces visibility for the presenter.
- Splitting Larger Groups: For large groups, consider splitting into two groups and streaming the session simultaneously in two different rooms.
Technology Tips
- Test Your Setup: At least a week before the session, it is important to have a trial run of your webcam and speakers/mic with PLD to ensure clear communication. Email [email protected] to schedule a test call.
- Audio Setup
- Recommendation: Use a conferencing speaker/microphone device. For ~$250, they are a worthwhile investment to ensure clear communication for better training outcomes. (Example: Poly Sync Speakerphone)
- Not Recommendation: Do not use the smartboard’s built-in microphone and speakers. This will likely be unsuitable and make it hard for all parties to communicate clearly.
Note: Keep the speaker volume at a moderate level to avoid audio feedback.
Avoid whole-school meetings in one room:
Avoid seating arrangements that limit views of the screen or presenter:
Follow-Up Tips
- Follow-up Coaching and Q & A: Upon completion of the course, schedule a follow-up coaching and Q&A session. This session allows educators to clarify any questions from the course and to receive feedback on their class tracking sheets. Book a follow-up session here.
