Preparing for the Initial Tech Check (ITC) & Induction Training

Transcription

1 & Induction Training Congratulations on being invited to Learnship Induction Training! As becoming a teacher with us is contingent upon passing induction training and the following mock lessons, we would like to give you some instructions and a few tips on how to best prepare yourself, as well as answer the most frequently asked questions about our teacher training processes. If you have any questions come up throughout the teacher training process, please get in contact either with the person who interviewed you via Skype or , or contact us via our departmental at [email protected]. Contents 1. Preparing for / Doing the Initial Tech Check... 2 a. General Information/Accessing your Account... 2 b. Telephoning/Dialing-In Telephoning Costs & Reimbursements Preparing your Computer for the Initial Tech Check... 5 a. Adobe Flash/Web Browser... 5 i. Links to Necessary Software: Induction Training... 6 a. Training Agenda... 6 b. Preparation Tips... 6

2 1. Preparing for / Doing the Initial Tech Check General Information All teachers who wish to enter training are required to perform an initial tech check. This is carried out in our virtual classroom and will be your first time getting a peek at the platform we use for training and teaching. The purpose of the tech check is very simple. We need to assure that teachers are able to dial into the virtual classroom teleconference switch on their webcam in the virtual classroom see the virtual classroom slides change and learn the basics of navigating the virtual classroom. These four things need to occur properly in order to participate effectively in the training. Please look out for an one week beforehand, with directions on how to access your Learnship account and prepare for the tech-check. On the day of the tech check, click on the DETAILS link in your account next to the date of your tech check (this will be available the day before your scheduled ITC). This will take you to a page from which you will be able to enter the virtual classroom for the ITC, up to ten minutes before the start. The induction training can be accessed following these same steps and will be also be listed under Upcoming classes.

3 Telephoning/Dialing-In i. After entering the Virtual Classroom, a window will appear with a national conference call number (see top of page 2). Dial the number with your landline telephone; using Skype and/or VoIP is not permitted unless permission has been given. ii. If the above box doesn t pop up, please click the following button in the virtual classroom tool bar along the top of the classroom: iii. Once you hear the PIN code, please enter the code into the Virtual Classroom window and push OK. In case the calling number does not match with the country you are calling from or you think you have been assigned the wrong conference call number, please contact us as soon as possible.

4 2. Telephoning Costs & Reimbursements i. If you don t have a domestic flat rate calling plan within your country or we don t have a conference number for your country, you may need to purchase a calling card in order to dial into the conference line. ii. LearnShip reimburses up to per minute for all training related calls that require a calling card purchase. If you do not currently have a flat-rate calling plan within your country, you won t need one installed until you pass training. You will, however, be required to cover the costs of all domestic (local) calls to the teleconference number assigned to you once you have passed training. A domestic flat rate is usually the best plan for this. If you feel your telephoning circumstances are exceptional, please contact [email protected]. iii. Be informed of your phone calling plan. We cannot reimburse any more than per minute, so make sure you won t be incurring any surprise charges. Please be especially aware of UK calling plans that tend to charge after being on the line after 60 minutes. We will allow you to hang up and call again during training, but this is not permitted under any circumstances for teaching so start exploring options to circumvent this. Also, if you have been given permission to use Skype, please remember that this is only on an exceptional basis for training. iv. If you need to be reimbursed for the training, please keep track of how many minutes you are on the line. Reimbursements have to be itemized for the accounting department. Keep any receipts, as they will also need to be provided later. If you have any questions about reimbursements, please clear these beforehand. You will be reimbursed for calling expenses even if you do not pass training. Please contact [email protected] for inquiries regarding this. v. Please do not use Skype unless you have been explicitly given permission to do so. It is sometimes allowed as a temporary solution while in training, but may not be used as a permanent future teaching option.

5 3. Preparing your Computer for the Initial Tech Check a. Adobe Flash/Web Browser i. Please download and install Adobe Flash Player and the latest version of Mozilla Firefox to ensure full compatibility with our online platform. Only Firefox can be used to log into the Virtual Classroom without issues. ii. Links to Necessary Software: 1. Install Flash Player: 2. Install Mozilla Firefox: b. Wireless vs. Wired Internet Connection i. If you have a wireless internet connection, we ask that you connect directly to your modem using a LAN cord for a stable connection. Please make sure your webcam is working before logging in, but please keep your webcam turned OFF upon entering the classroom!! If you are experiencing issues with your webcam, please check to make sure that Adobe Flash Player is properly installed. If you have any questions, please send an to [email protected]

6 4. Induction Training a. Training Agenda i. Learnship induction training prepares our teachers for online teaching in our virtual classroom- a new experience for many! See below to get an idea of a typical agenda: Day 1: Day 2: Introductions The LearnShip Method Lesson Planning Training Video Homework Assignment Checking-In Teacher Tips & Tricks Train the Trainer Q&A/Feedback b. Preparation Tips i. One hundred percent participation is mandatory on both days. If you know you will have a time conflict, even if just for 30 minutes, please let us know as soon as possible so we can find a time and date that fits your schedule better. ii. Allow yourself ample time to get set up technically before the training starts. The tech check should have assured that you are technically ready in terms of software and hardware. iii. A representative from HR is available via Skype and before induction training and can troubleshoot if there any problems. iv. Please use a mouse and not a touchpad for training. v. If you have a cordless phone, make sure you charge it beforehand and constantly during breaks. Preferably leave the phone on the dock as you dial-in and throughout the training, to avoid any interruptions. vi. Be an active and courteous participant. We are looking for engaged and motivated teachers! We can get a much better idea of your teaching abilities when you participate actively. Be sure to allow everyone a fair chance to participate and be open to give and receive constructive criticism. vii. Please dress smart casual for the teacher training as well as for your classes. A professional and business-like appearance is very important to LearnShip and our business clientele. viii. If you want to know more about our methodology, do some research about the ESA method Engage, Study, Activate!