Before you attend

Our workshops and learning experiences are instructor led by our learning and development specialists, in the physical training room, a virtual training room, and through self-paced online courseware.

To ensure that you have the best experience in one of our virtual learning sessions, we ask that you take the time to review the following to best prepare before you attend.  
 

Technology

There are some technical requirements you need to successfully participate in OHD's virtually facilitated sessions. Ensure you meet the requirements on the technology checklist. If you are unsure of any software requirements on your computer, please contact IST for support.  

Currently, all online workshops are hosted in Microsoft Teams


Please ensure you have:

  • Access to a computer/device with internet connection
  • Access to Microsoft Teams (Part of your Microsoft 365 experience through Waterloo)
  • Access to more than one window on your computer, or additional access to a second screen (such as a second monitor, phone, or tablet etc.)
  • Audio and/or video capability to engage in the virtually facilitated sessions.
  • Download the OneNote App within Teams (if your session lists this as a requirement for pre-work)

Other Applications you may use are: Mentimeter.com Your facilitator will advise you on how to access this feature. 

Registration & Completion

  • All registration happens through Portal unless otherwise indicated.
  • If a session requires self-directed pre-work, you will receive an email invite to use the OneNote App in Microsoft Teams.
  • Your session will have a virtually facilitated component.  You will receive an email invite to a Microsoft Teams meeting for the date and time (which is also located on our website and on your Portal registration).
  • Once all session components are completed, you will receive credit in your training record on Workday.
  • If you have questions or have not received your invite before the course, please contact ohd@uwaterloo.ca.

Pre-work (self-directed learning):

Some sessions may ask you to complete pre-work before connecting in a virtually facilitated environment. The purpose of the pre-work is to allow you to gain knowledge and understanding of the content at your own pace and at a convenient time. This pre-work allows the group to dig deeper into the ideas and concepts, providing a forum for discussion, and further exploration of the topic in the virtual group setting.

  • OHD will send an email containing your pre-work one week before the virtually facilitated session is scheduled.
  • Note: you may be required to use OneNote application for access to the pre-work.
  • Complete the pre-work in full before participating in the virtual session.
  • The virtual session will build upon the content learned during the pre-work.

Pre-work (self-directed learning):

  • Most sessions will request that you set a goal from the workshop content to support your action of applying the material in your work environment.
  • You will be asked to complete a post-session feedback evaluation through Qualtrics to support continuous improvement.
  • Note that you may be required to have access to the OneNote App for access to any workshop specific post-work.
  • Check out our OHD Resources site for any additional information and resources related to OHD content and topics.