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Education and Training – Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
How do I register for a training program?
On the PDRMA homepage, click the Training link on the left side of
the page, then click Training Calendar. To register online for a program, log in using your unique ID. To register by fax, print
the specific training program registration page, and fax the completed form to
the PDRMA office at 630-435-8999.
You can also mail the registration form to P.O. Box
4320, Wheaton, IL 60189.
How do I check out a video?
This fact sheet (available in PDF and Word formats) details video
checkout procedures and includes a request form. For more information about video resources, see Training Support Materials.
How do I find out what educational classes are being
offered by PDRMA?
PDRMA's Training Calendar lists upcoming classes and provides links to flyers with additional information and registration forms.
Where can I get a copy of a flyer with a description of the educational class?
All program descriptions (and downloadable flyers) are available on the PDRMA Training Calendar. They are also emailed and faxed to members six weeks and three weeks prior to each
class. See your Safety Coordinator for program materials.
Will you invoice my park district?
Yes. To be invoiced for a class, select the "Bill Me" option during registration.
Can I pay with a charge card?
Yes. To pay by credit card, fill out the credit card payment area on the registration form. For your security, please do not email credit card information.
Am I registered for a class? Who else from my agency is attending?
Confirmations of all registrations are sent via fax or email. Contact PDRMA with any specific registration questions.
Online Learning FAQs
What is online learning?
If you’re not familiar with online learning programs, let’s first discuss how they can work for you and your agency.
- Online learning increases both the accessibility and flexibility of PDRMA training courses. Learners can take part in training programs 24/7, 365 days a year, regardless of whether your goal is to learn a new skill, refresh existing skills, meet professional development goals, or fulfill continuing education requirements.
- Depending on an individual’s access to a computer, PDRMA’s online learning programs can be taken at an office workstation or, in many cases, from an employee’s home.
- To expand the flexibility of our online programs, PDRMA has designed a “bookmark” function that allows learners to start and stop a course at their convenience and return whenever it fits their schedule.
- Online learning programs provide significant cost savings and increased productivity. They reduce the time participants spend driving to regional training locations and eliminate the costs associated with providing a training site and paying instructors. PDRMA provides these online programs to the membership at no cost.
What do PDRMA online learning programs look like?
They are visually engaging resources that ...
- Include photos and video clips specific to our membership
- Match with PDRMA videos and instructor-led programs
- Include terminology recognized by our membership
- Include case studies, games and other interactive learning methods whenever possible
I was told by a friend that online learning programs are boring. Is that true?
As with formal classroom training, the participant ultimately controls what they gain from the experience. To make the online learning experience more interesting, PDRMA’s programs include both written content and voice narration ... with a blend of digital images, video and animations. In many cases, PDRMA staff has customized the images and video materials to more closely reflect park and recreation operations.
Is online learning as effective as instructor-led classes?
While online learning is an excellent method to deliver many types of training, it will likely not take the place of more traditional instructor-led learning when hands-on participation is essential to the subject matter. However, online learning is an excellent method to deliver many types of training effectively and consistently. Here are a few additional reasons why:
- Participants study and learn at their own pace, without the peer pressure that can exist in a classroom setting. They can review materials and ask questions via email without worrying about slowing down the class.
- Participants utilize various methods of learning such as reading, listening, and viewing video or still pictures.
- Skill challenges through test exercises measure comprehension, allowing for better retention of the subject matter.
- Online delivery offers a consistent message and content to participants, unlike some instructor-led programs.
- Online learning provides a “green” alternative to conventional training programs. The reduction in auto travel and handout materials reduces the impact on our environment.
Where do the PDRMA online learning programs come from, and are they applicable to my department?
PDRMA staff researched a wide range of online learning program vendors. Then we entered into agreements with various training providers to offer web-based training programs that closely relate to the park and recreation industry. Choosing online learning programs applicable to parks and recreation makes the content more interesting and effective.
In many cases, PDRMA has also modified online program content to include additional risk management information and bring a parks and recreation industry perspective to the materials.
Online courses are continually under review, and the development of department specific modules of each course is ongoing. For example, the back safety course will in time include modules specifically designed for Parks Maintenance, Recreation Staff, and Therapeutic Recreation Staff.
What is the fee associated with PDRMA online learning programs?
Online learning fees vary. Course fees are listed in the PDRMA Education and Training Course Catalog as well as in the Online Learning Program Course Guide. Whenever possible, PDRMA “bulk purchases” online training programs and passes the cost savings along to the membership. In addition, we continue to provide a subsidy for most program course fees to keep member training costs to a minimum.
Why is email required for online learning programs?
Email addresses are required to identify that users are PDRMA members and authorized to take online programs. In addition, member user email addresses allows PDRMA to direct upcoming online and other training opportunities directly to individual member groups.
By providing your email address, you will receive:
- Individual access to the PDRMA website and Resource Center
- The ability for Safety Coordinators to register multiple staff for training programs online and manage your agency’s overall participation in and registration for PDRMA training programs
- The ability to order PDRMA resources such as videos, pamphlets, posters and related training support materials
- Individual access to training summary reports
- The ability to receive email notices of upcoming PDRMA educational programs
How else can PDRMA online learning programs assist my agency?
Online learning programs may also assist you by providing:
- Refresher training topics for full-time and part-time staff
- Training for volunteers ... who often have difficulty in attending orientation trainings
- Training for seasonal staff ... who may have difficulty in attending orientation trainings
- An instructional method to address new, time-sensitive topics
- An flexible option to help staff meet professional development goals or requirements
How do I start taking PDRMA online learning programs?
Go to the Online Learning Programs page, where you can log in to take a course. If you need help, the Program Registration page includes a link to the Online Learning Getting Started Guide. It will walk you through the process of logging in and taking a course.
NOTE: If you are a Safety Coordinator and need to add several users to the online learning system, please download a User Registration spreadsheet, complete it, and email it to training@pdrma.org. If you have questions, call PDRMA Education and Training at 630-435-8934.
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