Getting ready for remote training

We’ve prepared some tips to help you get the most out of attending your course remotely.

What will I need?

• A laptop or workstation (more on that later)
• Internet connection
• A headset will help you hear your instructor better (one with a microphone would be perfect)
• Webcam (not mandatory)
• A secondary monitor would be nice to have, for instance:
  • Screen 1 for hands-on practical exercises
  • Screen 2 to see your instructor’s presentation and fine features

What next?

We’ll send you a calendar invite which will include a link to the appropriate online video-conferencing service.

We prefer the functionality of the Zoom platform and is our default option.

Please let us know if you cannot use Zoom as we also have MS Teams capability - please let us know as soon as possible as it may affect others on your course (it's not ideal mixing and matching platforms).

We can also explore using your own platform if your company has restrictions (e.g only allows Webex, Google Hangouts, or Adobe Connect for instance).

If you’re unsure, please check with your IT department if you need any special permissions to use Zoom or MS Teams.

Zoom

This link will automatically download the Zoom installer. It’s possible to connect just via your web browser - but we do recommend using the app, as it gives you more control over the layout options, screen-sharing and communication controls. You can find lots of information about using Zoom here. And if you're a shortcut-key nerd like our tech director, Tom, you'll love these.

MS Teams

Your MS Teams invitation should give you the option to download the Teams app if not already installed, or you may opt to use Teams in the browser.

Setting up your computer

You will also receive setup instructions relating to your course. You may need to check with your IT department that you have permissions to download and run software, use Command Line tools, install a code editor / IDE, run virtualisation software such as VirtualBox or VMWare, or connect to a service like AWS, GitHub, Google Cloud / Drive, or Microsoft Azure.

You may also receive electronic course notes and a link to download sample code, data or other resources to help with your hands-on practical sessions.

Please check with us so we can give you more details about your specific course.

We are happy to conduct a test session with you before you attend, to make sure you’re comfortable with the platform and can connect okay (for large groups we may suggest we do this the week before the course to allow time to iron out any wrinkles).

If you have any issues with setting up, let us know as soon as possible, as we want to make sure you enjoy a smooth training experience!

On the day...

The invite for Day 1 will begin a little earlier than usual, so everyone has time to get connected and comfortable before your course starts.

You are welcome to join with audio only, but it’s nice to use a webcam if you feel like it - we’re all human and it will help your instructor communicate with you!

For your privacy, when you join the session, you can choose microphone and video settings:

Zoom

MS Teams

Etiquette

We want you to gain as much value as possible from your training. To keep things flowing nicely, we will pause regularly to see how people are getting on - if you have a question, please do make a note of it and ask at the appropriate time.

To avoid unwanted noise, it’s really helpful if you stay muted until you wish to speak.

You can use the (text-based) Chat window - either to the whole group or direct to the instructor. If they’re in full-flow they might not notice the notification, so please do draw attention to anything you write there if you don’t get a response.

You may wish to share your screen during the training - if you are working out some tricky code for instance. You can choose if you want to share your whole screen, or just a particular app - or even use the whiteboard.

Help!

If you have any kind of concerns, difficulty connecting, or want to let us know something, you are welcome to give us a call on +44 (0) 20 3137 3920 so we can assist you.