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Education and Training Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
How do I register for a program?
On the PDRMA homepage, click on the Training Department tab on the left side of
the page to select the training program you are interested in attending. Print
the specific training program registration page and fax the completed form to
the PDRMA office at 630-435-8999.
You can also register for programs by mailing the registration form to P.O. Box
4320, Wheaton, IL 60189.
Can I register online?
Currently, online registration is available only for the Risk Management
Institutes and for the Online Learning Programs. However, PDRMA staff are in the process of developing an web-based registration system for instructor-led courses.
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.
How do I find out what educational classes are being
offered by PDRMA?
PDRMA's Online Training Calendar lists upcoming classes and provides links to flyers with additional information and registration forms. [View the training calendar]
Where can I get a copy of a flyer with a description of the educational class?
Program information can be viewed in a variety of ways. All program descriptions are available by clicking the highlighted class on the PDRMA training calendar.
Program flyers are also faxed 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, please check the "Bill Me" section of the payment area on class registration forms.
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 own convenience and return as it fits into their schedule
- Online learning programs provide significant cost savings and increased productivity. It reduces the time participants spend driving to regional training locations and eliminates the costs associated with providing a training site and paying instructors. In short, PDRMA is providing the online programs to the membership at no fee.
What will PDRMA Online Learning Programs look like?
They will be engaging as they will:
- 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 has great control over what they get out of an educational experience. To assist in making online learning programs more interesting, PDRMA’s online programs include both written content and voice narration in conjunction with a blend of digital images, video and animations. In many cases, PDRMA staff has enhanced 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 never take the place of more traditional instructor-led learning when hands-on participation is essential. However, online learning is an excellent method to deliver many types of training effectively and consistently. Here are a few additional reasons why online learning is effective:
- Participants study and learn at their own pace. There is not the peer pressure that can exist in a classroom setting. The participant can review materials and ask questions via e-mail without the fear of being in a group setting or worrying about slowing down the class.
- Online programs allow learners to utilize various methods of learning such as: reading, listening, and viewing video or still pictures. Skill challenges through test exercises measure comprehension, thus allowing for better retention of the subject matter.
- Online learning program delivery offers a consistent message and content to participants, unlike some instructor-led programs.
- Online learning programs provide 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 has researched a wide range of online learning program vendors and has entered into agreements with various training providers in an effort to bring web-based training programs that closely relate to the park and recreation industry. Choosing online learning programs that are applicable to parks and recreation makes the content more interesting and effective.
PDRMA has also in many cases modified online program content to add additional risk management information and bring a P&R 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 that will be specifically designed for Parks Maintenance, Recreation Staff and Therapeutic Recreation Staff.
What is the fee associated with PDRMA Online Learning Programs?
PDRMA makes every effort to provide timely, P&R specific, engaging and informative training programs at a reasonable fee for the membership. PDRMA attempts to “bulk purchase” online training programs and passes the cost savings along to the membership. In addition, PDRMA continues to provide a subsidy for most program course fees to keep member training costs at a minimum.
Online learning fees will vary depending on the program. Course fees are listed in the PDRMA Education and Training Course Catalog as well as in the Online Learning Program Course Guide.
Why are e-mails required for Online Learning Programs?
E-mail 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 e-mail 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 have 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 information topics that are time sensitive
- An option to help staff meet professional development goals or requirements
How do I start taking PDRMA Online Learning Programs?
Go to the Program Registration page, where you can log in to take an online learning program. 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 Patty Maher. If you have questions, call PDRMA Education and Training at 630-435-8932.
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