The FM:Systems Distance Learning Lab
Distance Learning Labs (DLL) from FM:Systems offer live, instructor-led learning events that are presented over the Web. Just like classroom training, distance learning students receive one-on-one attention from instructors, have the ability to ask questions, and must complete hands-on assignments. And you don’t have to travel to do it!
DLL sessions focus on topics associated with FM:Interact modules and run approximately three to four hours. Through a Web-based training system, students can login from their personal computer and be connected to the classroom. Materials are easily downloaded from the course information page, and all students are required to attend a free preparatory class to familiarize them with the interface and ensure there are no security issues with access. DLL is FM:Systems training that comes (via a computer) live to you!
See the DLL class schedule
The following are commonly asked questions about our DLL sessions:
Why should I attend a Distance Learning Lab session?
- You can attend training sessions without leaving your office.
- You can apply training credits in lieu of payment for your session.
- Sessions run three to four hours, so you can attend training AND continue your work routine.
Class descriptions and registration information will be e-mailed to you soon.
Does my computer need to have the FM:Systems software and supporting software (e.g., AutoCAD)?
No. All FM:Interact software etc., is accessible to you when you login to the lab connected to virtual classroom. You can always take the DLL session from your home computer.
What are the requirements to participate in a DLL session?
You need to be able to download software to your computer. Some organizations block your ability to download software. If you are blocked from doing a download, you will not be able to participate in a DLL session.
How do I know if my company will block the DLL software download?
We ask all clients to attend the FREE “Preparing for the Distance Learning Lab” session. During this 30 minute class the parts and function of the virtual classroom interface are highlighted, as well as how to enter and exit the lab attached to the virtual classroom.
This session also tests your ability to download the virtual classroom software to your computer. If your organization blocks the download, you will not be able to participate in any DLL sessions.
Can I Use Training Credits to pay for DLL sessions?
Yes. FM:Systems has updated customer’s training credits so they can be used as payment for DLL sessions.
- In general a single DLL session is three – four hours. This is worth one training credit (or $250).
- A one day instructor-led class at our Raleigh location is six – eight hours. This is worth two training credits (or $500).
How do I get course materials?
When your registration is approved, you will receive a link to the class event. The class event includes:
- Course description
- Date/time of the session
- Link to the virtual classroom
- Link to copy to your calendar to remind you of the event
- Link to your student guide
Please download and print out your student guide prior to the DLL session.
I prefer the individual attention I get with a live instructor-led event in a traditional classroom. How does the DLL experience compare?
The DLL may actually provide you with more individual attention than a traditional classroom because the sessions are smaller – we keep enrollment to a maximum of 10 students. During the session:
- You have access to emoticons where you can send a message to the instructor to speed up, slow down, and you can even send the coffee icon to indicate you need a break.
- The instructor can monitor your activities as well and can even tell if you are multitasking! Don’t be surprised if at that very moment, the instructor calls on you to answer a question or participate in a discussion.
- Through the virtual classroom, the instructor can monitor how you have answered polling questions to see if you are grasping the concepts, and can even institute tests.
- During the hands-on lab, the instructor can move (virtually) into each student’s lab and watch “over the shoulder” what the student is doing, answer any questions, take control of the student’s machine to show them how to complete a task, and then the instructor can move to the next student’s machine.
- During the hands-on lab, the instructor can broadcast messages to all students, and if necessary gather students back into the main classroom.
- In general, the instructor can go back into the student’s lab computer and evaluate if the student successfully completed the assigned tasks.
- While the instructor moves between students’ labs, other students can raise their hands, send questions, and the instructor will receive those messages, and respond accordingly.
How will I interact with my classmates?
The participant list will be available to all students in the session. You can chat with one another, and when the phone lines are open, discussions are encouraged. Finally, students can “pair-up” in a lab, where a student with more experience can share how to do something with another student.
What is the process for signing up for a Distance Learning Lab session?
- From the registration page, enter your name and email address.
- You will receive an e-mail message stating that your registration status is PENDING.
- FM:Systems will contact you for payment. FM:Systems to provide payment.
- Once payment is received, your registration status changes from PENDING to APPROVED.
- If payment has not been received three days prior to the session, you will be moved to a waitlist.
- You will receive an e-mail message with the actual link to the DLL session.
- The e-mail includes:
- Course description
- Date/time of the session
- Link to the virtual classroom
- Link to copy to your calendar to remind you of the event
- Link to your student guide
Will you be expanding your offerings for DLL sessions?
Yes. We will continue to develop content for delivery via distance learning, and we will continue to take your input and suggestions on other ways we can deploy the lab to meet your needs.
How is the DLL experience different from Webinars?
The DLL experience is different from Webinars in a variety of ways including:
- The DLL is interactive - students participate in the session through chat, polling, annotation, and lab work.
- The DLL offers hands-on the keyboard tasks that the students complete on remote training computers. The training computers contain the FM:Systems training database and the necessary software to support FM:Interact.
- During the hands-on lab, the instructor can move (virtually) into each student’s lab and watch “over the shoulder” what the student is doing, answer any questions, take control of the student’s machine to show the student how to complete a task, and then the instructor can move to the next student’s machine.
- During the hands-on lab, the instructor can broadcast messages to all students, and if necessary gather students back into the main classroom.
- While the instructor moves between student’s labs, other students can raise their hands and send questions. The instructor will receive those messages and respond accordingly.
If I have additional questions, who can I contact?
Contact Teresa Lubeck at 919-582-9746 or tlubeck@fmsystems.com
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