The factsheet designed to accompany the webinars presentation. Green Hectares offers this content as part of an initiative to enable rural communities with technology.
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Green Hectares Rural Tech Factsheet – Webinars
1. Webinars
Target Audience:
This course is intended for people wanting to learn more about What you’ll need:
the many resources available online in the form of Webinars,
Webcasts and Podcasts.
Requirements:
A computer with current browsers, Flash Player, QuickTime
Player, Internet Connection, speakers and webmail.
Description:
This workshop will explore many different ways to find and
view resources in the vast world of Webinars, Webcasts and Computer
Podcasts.
Prerequisites: You’ll also need an Internet connection.
Basic computer knowledge is helpful.
What is a Webinar
• A Webinar is a form of Web Conferencing that can be presented in many different ways over the Internet.
• Webinars are presented to a select group of people live at a set date and time.
• Depending on the setup, the viewer may have limited participation and group discussions/viewer
questions may be limited or set to an allotted time at the end of the Webinar. This varies from host to
host.
• Other options include votes, meetings, text messaging, white board interaction and two-way audio.
• Depending on the provider, Webinars may or may not be archived for later viewing.
What is a Webcast
• A Webcast is very similar to a traditional broadcast but is done over the Internet via a streaming feed or
as a download.
• There is usually no interaction between the broadcaster and the viewer and no need to sign in.
• Webcasts are usually accessed by a link and may or may not be at a set time.
What is a Podcast
• A Podcast (or netcast) is an audio or video file available on the Internet for download and playback using
a computer or a mobile device such as an iPod.
• Many content providers produce Podcasts daily or weekly similar to radio and television shows and users
are able in most cases to subscribe to the feed.
• There is no need to be in front of a computer, radio or television at specific time to receive a Podcast. Just
download the podcast and view/listen at a computer or on a media device whenever and wherever. This
great flexibility is one of the reasons why Podcasts have become so very popular for both entertainment,
news and education.
2. Some Available Webinars
• Canadian Farm Business Management Council
http://www.agriwebinar.com/
• Alberta Canola Producers Commission
http://canola.ab.ca/webinar.aspx
• The Alberta Institute of Agrologists
http://www.aia.ab.ca/
Preparing for a Webinar
1. Since Webinars are usually live at a specific time, make sure to log-in early and take care of any technical
issues that may come up so you don’t miss part of the show.
2. Some Webinar’s web sites are not compatible with all operating systems and browsers.
Troubleshooting
1. Webinars will usually run an auto-check, or a link may be provided to see if the user’s system meets the
basic requirements for the Webinar.
2. Additional downloads may be needed before certain Webinars will work.
3. Most Webinars have a Frequently Asked Questions page or a troubleshooting page for any problems that
may arise.
4. Some pages have firewall tests, for people in a controlled network setting. For many people in corporate
settings, many features on their computers are locked down. This test will determine if the Webinar will
work with the user’s current settings.
Software/Updates
It is a good habit to get in a routine and check often for updates for both compatibility and security. Some of
the software that needs to be installed and kept current:
1. Adobe Reader
2. Flash Player
3. QuickTime Player
4. Windows Media Player
5. Internet Explorer / Firefox / Safari
Finding a Webinar/Webcast
Many content providers have live Webinars/Webcasts on their web site but the videos are often made
available for mass distribution through www.youtube.com or similar sites.
3. Signing Up for a Webinar
Along with many upcoming and archived Webinars, there are many great free resources available at
agriwebinar.com .
1. Click on the Past Webinars Link.
2. Sign-in or registering must be completed before proceeding.
3. Click on the Register Link near the top right.
4. Fill out the fields for the registration process.
5. Log-in to your webmail to finalize the registration process.
6. Click on the email link in your webmail
7. This will redirect to the confirmation page. There is also an available link to unsubscribe at any time.
8. Click on the Past Webinars Link.
9. Type your email address in the box and click Submit.
Viewing Webinars
1. The Webinar should start.
2. The Webinar is not going to fit properly in the default window. Click on the Enlarge Video link in the
bottom right corner of the video window. This will expand the Webinar area to the width of your browser.
3. At any time, you can click the Reduce Video Link to return the Webinar back to the default size.
4. In most of the Webinars, there is access to the slides and files associated with the presentation. This is
in the lower right side of the window under Other Downloads. An audio file of the Webinar can also be
downloaded. It will download in an .mp3 format.
5. In the right column, there are many other options available including emailing this file, joining an email
list, bookmarking of this page, and viewing comments about this webinar.
6. Take a look around and get comfortable with all the different options and features available.
7. The Video can also be paused or stopped at any time.
Troubleshooting
1. Flash based Webinars and videos may slow down or cut out if minimized or clicked off of while running.
2. Click back onto the Webinar and keep the window active and the video should fix itself.
Subscribing to Podcasts
1. This a good way to keep organized and up to date with any new Podcasts.
2. Juice, Doppler, iTunes® and mobile devices all have the ability to let people subscribe, organize and play
Podcasts.
4. Other Podcast Resources
1. iTunes is a great place to search for both Video and Audio podcasts.
2. iTunes has a vast library of Podcasts from all over the world including episodes from right here in
Alberta.
Transfer and Go
1. iTunes can also manage and export any Podcasts onto a mobile media format for listening on the go.
2. By plugging in a iPod, iPhone, Smart Phone or MP3 player to iTunes; Podcasts, Webinars and Webcasts
can transferred over to the device and taken with you anywhere.
3. Webinars, Webcasts and Podcasts can also be burned to CD from iTunes for use in your vehicle or CD
Player.
4. So Transfer or Burn your Episodes and go !!!