Internet Training - Logistics

As you plan for the Internet training session, here are some details that must be worked out:

Scheduling the training. I work with several clients simultaneously who are in various stages of scheduling classes. I commit my dates on a "first come, first served" basis. If some of my available dates look like a match for your schedule, you need to let me know, so I can put your name on that date. Otherwise, another client might request the same date. To contact me, my office number is 703-729-1757. Since I will probably be out training, you will get my voicemail - go ahead and leave a message. If you use email (russ@navigators.com), be sure to put "internet training" in the email's subject, so I have a chance to notice your email in my inbox. Once we have emailed a couple of times, I usually create an email filter that should automatically move your email into a "client folder" in my email program, where I will notice all your emails regardless of the email's subject.  

Training Style. Lecture/demo vs. Hands-on. All of my courses can be taught in a lecture/demo mode. In this style, the Instructor's computer needs an Internet connection, and the computer screen should be projected onto a large screen for all to see. I have taught audiences as large as 400, and can provide a fast-paced, informative session that will make a lasting impact on your audience.   

The Hidden Universes course can be taught either in a lecture/demo style or in a hands-on mode. With the hands-on course, Hidden Universes becomes 2-days or 3-days long, to provide time for the students to try each search technique. The maximum class size would be based on the number of internet-connected computers in your classroom. The choice of training style usually comes down to: total size of the audience, training facility capabilities, and budget constraints.

Training location. If your organization has no training facilities, I can locate and rent a suitable classroom/conference space near your location. If your organization plans to host the training in your own facility, here are the typical requirements to resolve:

1. Hands-on Course - This method is often used for the Hidden Universes course. Each student workstation would need internet access and a web browser. Adobe acrobat reader is also useful. The Instructor workstation would need the same capabilities as the student workstations, and also PowerPoint to display the course handouts.

2. Lecture mode using your supplied computer and your Internet connection. This method could be for Hidden Universes. Your computer would need to include: internet access, web browser, PowerPoint, Adobe acrobat reader

3. Lecture mode using my laptop on your Internet connection. Most work environments do not allow guest laptops to join onto their local network, but this option may be appropriate for a hotel venue, or if you have a "stand-alone" network approved for guests.
   - Network: my laptops are equipped with Ethernet ports, and wifi can be enabled/disabled in the BIOS. Bluetooth will be disabled in the BIOS.
   - Video: my laptops contain both HDMI and SVGA (15 pin) connections
   - My laptops will be current in Microsoft updates and Security Suite updates

4. Lecture mode using my laptops connected to my Internet provider. I can connect my laptop to my cell phone via USB cable, and use my phone's broadband data capabilities. This assumes the training location allows personal cell phones, and receives a strong Verizon signal. For training in other countries, I have also purchased broadband USB thumb drives from local telecom companies. 

Live Streaming - I have delivered lecture versions of my courses via live streaming solutions such as Skype and Microsoft Teams. I broadcast the full-screen of my computer from my home office in Ashburn Virginia (connected to Verizon FIOS and also Xfinity) to students who participate from a combination of work and home locations. A maximum class size of 30 enables students to ask questions via voice or chat.

Internet Filters: If the course will be taught using your internet connection, please confirm if there are any kind of filters (such as Websense) that limit our surfing during the class. I have encountered some internet connections that were so heavily filtered, we were unable to see a wide variety of websites. For example, in the hands-on Hidden Universes class, each student picks their own research topic. Topics could include a wide variety of topics related to the student's work. Some students' work is too sensitive for the classroom connection, so they might choose a hobby. We will also search for forums and blogs dedicated to the student's topics. If there are filters, it would be useful if most restrictions were temporarily removed with the exception of the pornography filter. 

Internet Usage Policies: If your organization has Internet usage policies, it would be helpful if I knew the details of such policies. I do not want to give students conflicting advice, and I can help reinforce your Internet usage policies during the class.

Display Screen: For each training scenario above, my instructor's workstation needs to be projected onto a big screen. I find that LED/LCD/DLP projectors work best, projected onto a large screen, or even onto a white wall.

Handouts. My presentation handout will be available electronically for you to download/print and copy for each attendee. Most course handouts are about 70 pages of PowerPoint slides. The printouts can be 1 or 2 slides per page. If you prefer, I can print the handouts at a local FedEx/Kinkos for an additional cost ( about $5/handout in black and white, and $25/handout in color)

Getting to the Classroom:  I usually need the following details.  
 - Building address, directions, and room number for the training.  Please include a gate number if needed. 
 - A local point of contact and phone numbers. 
 - Visitor badge procedures. 
 - If I am bringing my own laptops, property passes if required.

Details about the room layout - I admit the following information may be specific, but you would be surprised at some of the training environments I have encountered.

1. The Instructor computer, and I, both need to be in the front of the room, near the presentation screen. I have encountered some auditorium set-ups where the computer is in the back of the room, and the presenter would be on the stage with just the podium and a wireless mouse. This set-up would work fine for just flipping PowerPoint slides, but I will be live on the internet, typing, clicking on links, switching screens, etc. There is no way a wireless mouse, or a presentation "helper" would be able to support the rapid pace of my demonstrations.

2. A chair - I do spend most of my presentation time standing, motioning to the screen, reaching out to the audience, etc. I often go two or three days in a row, standing the entire eight hours, since many auditoriums have just a podium on the stage with no chair. However, IF you do have a podium-height chair available, I will occasionally use it, and it will be much appreciated.

3. Lighting - Some conference rooms were not designed with training in mind. See if you can turn off some of the lights that are shining (glaring) onto the presentation screen.  Room windows and presentation screens usually do not mix well. If the room has windows, blinds are quite useful to eliminate the glare on the screen.

4. Temperature - People generate heat (100 watts/person). The LCD projector generates a lot of heat. If you are planning an 8-hour lecture session for 30 people... try to reserve the conference room that holds 50 people (not 30 people). 

Timing of the training. Most clients run the classes from 8am to 4 pm. However the class can occur at whatever time matches your employee's schedules. I have taught classes at midnight, and on weekends.

Contact me at 703-729-1757 or  Russ 'at' navigators.com  
If you use email (russ@navigators.com), be sure to put "internet training" in the email's subject, so I have a chance to notice your email in my inbox. Once we have emailed a couple of times, I usually create an email filter that should automatically move your email into a "client folder" in my email program, where I will notice all your emails regardless of the email's subject.  
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