How to get the most out of a webcast
By Tessa Pinkstaff, Conference Coordinator
Webcasts have become an increasingly popular way to earn CPE credits. The variety of topics and timeframes has grown,
giving participants more options to fit their busy schedules. Plus, webcasts are an affordable alternative to
traditional CPE offerings like seminars. Most people watch webcasts on an individual basis, yet few realize that
these online broadcasts are perfectly suited to group viewings.
Advantages of on-site viewing
Employee connections
Bringing a group of staff members together for a webcast creates a dynamic learning environment.
Participants can engage in content-related discussions that double as team-building exercises.
These conversations often foster camaraderie and acceptance among employees. On-site viewings also
allow staff members with diverse levels of experience, such as senior managers and associates,
to interact in a professional environment.
Meaningful conversations
Good discussions can occur at any point before, during or after the webcast. Pre-webcast discussions might
identify what the participants want to learn as well as set the tone for the viewing. Opportunities for
interaction during the webcast are more limited; however, some webcasts include content-specific polling
questions that are used to track participation and enhance the viewing experience. These questions can
be an excellent springboard for conversation.
Post-webcast discussions are arguably the most important because they allow firm employees to explore
their immediate reactions to the material. This is an excellent time to formulate action plans and brainstorm
practical ways to apply the content. The conversations could lead to positive changes within the firm.
Also, participants can discuss real client scenarios without the fear of revealing proprietary information
to third parties. This type of “reality-based” discussion is only possible with an on-site viewing.
Of course, the quality of the discussions will depend on how much the participants actually learn from the webcast.
So how can you ensure your staff members get the most out of their on-site webcast viewing experience?
Optimizing the learning environment
Room and audiovisual
You can begin by selecting an appropriate webcast viewing location. Choose a space large enough to accommodate your
group size and make sure it is equipped with an adequate audiovisual system so every participant can see and hear.
For smaller groups, a single computer monitor or laptop with speakers may be sufficient. Larger groups, however,
will likely need an LCD projector and screen in addition to a sound system.
Seating arrangements
Seating is another important consideration. Classroom-style arrangements with tables and chairs are good
for participants who wish to take notes during the webcast. Chevron (“v”-shaped) or semi-circle arrangements
promote discussion between attendees. To get the conversation started, invite staff members to gather 30
minutes prior to the webcast so they can interact and ask questions before it begins.
Registering your staff members
Creating an optimal learning experience is important, but most professionals watch webcasts to earn CPE credits.
For on-site webcast viewings, all attendees must be registered and pay individually in order to be eligible for CPE credits.
Online registration is the most common, although some providers allow registrations via phone or fax. Multiple registration
discounts may be available for larger groups of participants. In addition to ensuring your employees are registered and paid,
they must also meet specific participation tracking requirements to receive their CPE credits.
Tracking participation for CPE
Letter codes
Many webcasts employ a letter code tracking system to gauge participation. A series of random letter codes are
embedded into the presenter’s PowerPoint slides. Participants must write down the codes and report them back
to the provider at the conclusion of the webcast. If all the codes are reported properly, the participant receives full CPE credit.
Obtaining credits
Some webcast providers allow individual attendees to log in to their account after the webcast and report their own codes.
A certificate of completion is then sent to the attendee upon receipt of the codes. Other providers require the firm
administrator to track attendance for every participant. In this case, each person must sign in and note his or her arrival time.
The procedure is repeated at the end of the webcast as each person signs out. The completed document is then sent to the webcast provider.
How each person obtains his or her CPE credits will vary depending on the webcast provider.
The MNCPA has created an Event Attendance Form for on-site webcast viewings.
You can download it here.
Take the next step
Webcasts are a flexible, affordable way to earn CPE credits, and on-site webcast viewings offer a variety of
unique advantages for staff members. Are you interested in scheduling an on-site webcast viewing at your firm?
Want to get more information?
Contact:
Kate Cooper, MNCPA Custom Education Coordinator
952-885-5508 (direct) or kcooper@mncpa.org