Online courses (also known as e-learning, distance learning, or virtual training) have become unavoidable these days, as we all know.

Whether the training is live in a webinar format or pre-recorded (archived), we'll share 5 key tips to maximize your chances of success with your online course.

One of the first challenges when taking an online course, especially for most of our team members (being parents), is recreating an environment similar to a traditional classroom setting.

Here are some recommendations for creating an optimal learning space:

• Dedicate a quiet and comfortable place to study, ideally a private room with a desk or table. Avoid high-traffic areas.
• Eliminate distractions as much as possible: phone on silent, TV off, computer notifications disabled, etc.
• Have all necessary tools within reach: computer/tablet, pens, notebooks, manuals, calculator, etc.
• Favour natural lighting and regularly air out the room to stay alert and focused.
• For parents, have someone else present to look after your children (if applicable).

By creating this ideal learning environment, you'll replicate classroom conditions and optimize your ability to concentrate and succeed in your online course.

It's important to note that you'll need suitable tools to follow the training without interruptions or technical issues.

The flexibility of distance learning is an undeniable advantage, but it can also be a trap if you don't manage your time well.

Here are some tips for establishing an effective schedule:

• Define set time slots for studying, as if you were attending an in-person class. Ideally, choose your "peak times" when you're most productive.
• Schedule regular study sessions of about 1-2 hours, with frequent breaks to maintain focus. Are you familiar with the 20-20-20 technique? We explain it in the blog post on "Visual Fatigue and Blue Light"
• Set aside time to review the material, do exercises, read supplementary resources, etc.
• Allow yourself free time! Your training should not take over your personal and professional life.

This schedule must remain realistic and respect your learning pace. Be realistic from the start to avoid discouragement.

Here is an example of a balanced schedule for an online course:

Of course, this is just an example. Feel free to customize it as you wish!

Tip 3: Actively Participate in Interactions

"Education is not something which the teacher does, but a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being." - Book: Maria Montessori, The Child (1936), pg. 4

One of the advantages of online learning is the opportunity to easily interact with other learners and instructors.

Take advantage of it!

Here are some ways to maximize your engagement:

• Actively participate in discussion forums: ask your questions, respond to others' inquiries, and share your knowledge.
• Attend interactive webinars or question-and-answer sessions to explore certain topics in depth.
• Propose or join virtual study groups to review material, help each other out, etc.
• Collaborate on group assignments by sharing your respective strengths and learning strategies.

The more involved and connected you are to the learning community, the more motivated you'll stay and the better your chances of succeeding in your online course.

Are you a trainer who would like to teach an online class via a cutting-edge technology platform?

To learn more about our StudioCast platform, come chat with us live.

Tip 4: Practice Active Learning

Active learning means being fully engaged in the process of acquiring new skills, rather than passively receiving content.

In distance learning, it's crucial to adopt active learning techniques such as:

• Taking detailed notes during lessons or when reading resources. Rewriting will help you retain information better.
• Redoing exercises and examples until you fully grasp the concepts.
• Experiment yourself by practicing the new skills acquired (case studies, projects, etc.)
• Teaching what you've learned to others to solidify your knowledge.

Here's an example of an effective active learning method:

1. Preparation: Read through the course material in advance.
2. Participation: Take notes during the online sessions.
3. After class:
   • Immediately review your notes.
   • Redo the covered exercises and examples.
   • Summarize the key concepts in writing.
4. Application: Put your new skills into practice.
5. Review: Regularly reread your notes and summaries.

By staying constantly engaged in the process, you'll assimilate the material much better and maximize your chances of succeeding in your online course.

Tip 5: Set Goals For Yourself And Celebrate Milestones

Following an online course requires a sustained commitment over a long period.

To stay motivated, it's essential to set realistic goals and regularly celebrate your progress.

Here are some tips:

• Define your overall goals (obtaining certification, developing new skills, etc.) as well as shorter-term sub-goals (completing a module, passing an exam, etc.)
• Reward yourself each time you achieve a goal, even symbolically. This will help you stay motivated throughout the process.
• Visualize your ultimate success to remind yourself of the reasons you undertook this training.
• Note your small daily victories in an agenda or journal to never lose sight of your progress.
• Share your successes with loved ones, and colleagues, or on forums to get recognition and further motivation.

Bonus Tip: Take Care of Yourself!

Beyond learning objectives, it's essential to take care of your overall well-being when taking an online course. Here are some important reminders:

• Take regular breaks to relax, clear your mind, and avoid burnout.
• Move around and exercise to stay awake and alert during your study sessions.
• Ensure you get enough restorative sleep for optimal concentration.
• Maintain a healthy and balanced diet to provide your body and brain with the necessary energy.
• Cultivate relaxing and leisure activities in parallel to maintain a healthy balance.

Your physical and mental health is the key to completing your training program.

Conclusion

Succeeding in an online course is a stimulating challenge that requires discipline and commitment.

However, by following these 5 key tips you will greatly increase your chances of achieving your goals:

1. Create a conducive study environment
2. Establish a realistic schedule
3. Actively participate in interactions
4. Practice active learning
5. Set goals and celebrate milestones

Don't forget to subscribe to our blog to receive even more winning strategies for successful webcastings.

We wish you much success and perseverance!

Are you preparing a significant event for your company this autumn but don't know where to start?

This is where an event agency can assist you. But how do you choose the right one?

Whether you have corporate needs in Montreal, Las Vegas, or even worldwide, the importance of professional event management is undeniable.

In this article, we will describe what an event agency is and why selecting the right partner is essential.

We will also discuss the features to look for when choosing such an agency, along with examples of successes resulting from a good choice.

Lastly, we will detail the various services PQM.net can offer you and how they can enhance your event.

Let us guide you in finding the ideal partner for your next big project!

Understanding What an Event Agency Is

An event agency is a specialized company in event organization, possessing the necessary expertise to manage all aspects.

It allows you to offload planning and logistics and brings clients' visions to life by creating memorable experiences through a comprehensive range of services.

... and this is where our event experts come into play.

The Importance of an Event Agency

It primarily adds value through its professionalism and expertise.

It is well-versed in the industry and new technologies, and engaging its services saves time and reduces stress associated with event organization.

It ensures thorough planning and a complete service through its expertise and resources, establishing a trusted role for its clientele by playing a key role.

Why Choose PQM.net?

Very easy! We've been realizing your projects since 1998!

Furthermore, we achieved a pioneering milestone in Canada by live streaming.

And then, the history was written.

From a partnership with Akamai (the world's largest webcasting network in 2004), to broadcasting all QMJHL matches as well as numerous championships (women's hockey, volleyball, basketball), and up to the official launch of our own webcasting platform, StudioCast.

We have established national trust.

The Benefits of Making the Right Choice

Making the right choice of an event partner ensures efficient coordination, respects your budget, saves time and resources, and allows you to focus on other aspects of your event... or your busy life!

How to Identify a Good Event Partner?

When it comes to identifying a good event partner, look for a reputable agency with verifiable references.

Ensure that it possesses the skills and expertise necessary to meet your specific needs and expectations.

Additionally, make sure it understands your vision and goals, and ask for examples of similar projects it has successfully completed.

Evaluate their communication, availability, and professionalism during initial exchanges.

Desirable Characteristics

Proactivity:

...brings creative ideas to enhance your event.

Strong Relationships:

...with partners and suppliers are essential.

Adaptability:

...to last-minute changes.

Customer Satisfaction:

...offers guarantees, demos, and technical support.

Examples of Success through a Good Selection

Customer testimonials and case studies can illustrate successes achieved through the right choice of an event agency.

These examples highlight the positive impact on guest satisfaction and the overall success of the event.

They underscore the challenges the event agency faced and how it overcame them, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right partner to achieve your goals.

Testimonials and Case Studies

Testimonials from satisfied clients can give you an idea of the positive experience offered by an event agency, while case studies demonstrate how it successfully managed similar events.

Here's the best example for us: (apologies, it's in French only)

What Services Can PQM.net Offer?

We offer a comprehensive range of services, including planning, management, and logistics.

Handling venue search, invitation and registration management, as well as vendor coordination.

Additionally, we provide unique experiential marketing services, social media management, and thematic event design tailored to your specific needs.

This isn't an exhaustive list; it's recommended to ask the right questions while "shopping" for your event.

What to Take Away from All This?

Choosing the right event agency is essential for the success of your events.

A reliable and experienced agency can enhance your event and make it memorable.

From conception to execution, it will oversee every detail for a flawless and impactful event.

Whether it's planning, venue selection, production, or marketing, a professional agency will have the expertise and resources needed.

That's why PQM.net stands out as the best Canadian company to take charge of your project.

Ready to elevate your events? Contact us today to discuss how we can contribute to your goals.

Have you ever attended a virtual ceremony?

More than ever, it has become second nature to attend online events.

However, organizing a webcasting event can be quite a challenge.

1. How to prepare for it?
2. What are the different types of online ceremonies?
3. What equipment is necessary to ensure a seamless experience?
4. How to choose the best agency?

In this article, we will address these questions so that you are ready for your next or first virtual ceremony.

Whether it's for a wedding, a tribute, a birthday, a press conference, or even an inauguration, we will help you gain clarity and choose the best webcasting agency to make your event a resounding success!

What is a virtual ceremony?

It's an online event, either live or on-demand, hybrid, or without the physical presence of participants. Thanks to webcasting technology, people can attend and participate in the event from anywhere, using their computer, smartphone, or tablet.

This provides the opportunity to bring people together despite geographical constraints or travel restrictions

The different formats

• Live
• Pre-recorded (or archived)
• An interactive ceremony that incorporates discussion and polling features to engage your audience or loved ones
• In virtual reality? Why not create an immersive experience for your ceremony
• A hybrid ceremony that combines both virtual and physical elements for a unique celebration

With these options, you can customize your virtual ceremony to meet your needs and create a meaningful experience for all participants

What are the different types of virtual ceremonies?

The different types include award ceremonies, graduation ceremonies for students, online wedding ceremonies, memorial services to honour the deceased, inaugurations, and product launch events to showcase the latest innovations.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list.

How do you prepare for a virtual ceremony?

To ensure its success, there are a few key factors to consider.


For participants:

• • To have a reliable Internet connection
  • Create a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free space
  • Test your equipment in advance in the same room and with the same internet network
  • Try to become familiar with the platform provided for the ceremony

For the organizers

Situation A :

You are organizing the ceremony yourself, from your office or home. So, apply the same points as the participants.

Situation B :

Hire professionals who offer a turnkey service that will give you peace of mind and a guarantee of excellence for your virtual or in-person event.

Examples of what an event agency can do for you

• • Find a professional studio or a public venue at your chosen location with all the necessary elements for your ceremony
  • Provide training for the organizers on the webcasting platform
  • Announce the event on social media if desired
  • Conduct an inspection of the public venues and provide recommendations (if necessary) based on the results
  • Supply a full team of webcasting experts to handle your special moment
  • Offer on-demand recording of the event and archive it for future viewing
  • Provide a comprehensive post-show analysis

Practice during the rehearsals provided by an event agency to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of the ceremony.

Equipment necessary for a successful webcast

It depends on several factors:

For the participants:

• A computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection (preferably wired rather than wireless)
• A quality microphone for clear audio
• Headphones or speakers to hear the participants
• Good lighting for clear visibility on the screen
• A neutral and professional background to avoid visual distractions.
• Video conferencing software or a live streaming platform provided by the organizers.

For the organizers

Situation A :

If you are organizing the ceremony yourself, from your office, a private room, a school, your home, and so on.

In this situation, consider the same points as the participants, and, of course, add:

• A quality webcam or camera to capture the video

Situation B :

You can call upon professionals who offer a turnkey service.

• The possibilities are infinite.

Which brings us to the most important point:

How to choose the best webcasting agency for your ceremony?

When choosing the best webcasting agency for your ceremony, consider their reputation, client references, and past virtual events.

Make sure they have the necessary technical expertise; request a demo, read reviews, and ask questions!

Take PQM.net for example.

Experts in webinars and webcasting for over 30 years.

Our experts will enable you to:

• • Supervise the entire logistics, including event planning, space or studio reservation and decoration, etc
  • Create the event registration page
  • Manage the sending of confirmation and reminder emails
  • Perform all necessary technical checks
  • Conduct the live broadcast
  • Ensure the setup of webcasting
  • Provide immediate technical support for your audience and presenters
  • Manage hosting of the recorded video
  • Send a follow-up email to participants after the event
  • Produce a customized report after the event to present the data and results.

In a Nutshell

Choosing the best experts for your virtual ceremony is essential to ensure its success.

Take the time to prepare and make sure you have the necessary equipment.

Lastly, do your research and select a reputable and reliable agency.

Their expertise will help you create a memorable online experience for your participants.

Don't underestimate the importance of a good agency, as it can make all the difference in the success of your event.

Talk to one of our experts to learn more.

Training webinars have become an increasingly popular method for businesses to educate their employees and provide valuable information to their clients.

With the ongoing pandemic, webinars have proven to be a safe and effective alternative to in-person training sessions.

But what exactly are training webinars and how can they benefit your business?

In this article, we will explore the world of training webinars and discuss the advantages they offer.

From cost savings to increased engagement and flexibility, webinars can be a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes.

We will also provide tips on creating engaging and informative webinars that help your audience learn and grow.

Whether you are a CEO or a business owner looking to improve your training strategies, this blog has information for you.

Table of Contents

• What is a Training Webinar?
• Are Webinars Really Effective?
• What are the Objectives of a Webinar?
• Ultimate Training Webinars Guide
• In Summary
• What Can PQM.net Do for You?

What is a Training Webinar?

A training webinar is an interactive form of online training that takes place in real-time. It is an online event where a trainer or expert shares knowledge, information, and advice with a targeted audience.

Participants can connect to the webinar from any location with an internet connection and interact with the trainer through chats, polls, or question-and-answer sessions.

Training webinars enable businesses to deliver distance training in a convenient, flexible, and cost-effective manner, providing an effective alternative to in-person training.

Are Webinars Really Effective?

Absolutely!

Training webinars have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their proven effectiveness.

"Since the pandemic, online learning in Canada has increased by 29% and 31% of Canadians living in urban areas will be more inclined to participate in online training than in person." - Source: Statistics Canada

Businesses have found that webinars offer an excellent alternative to traditional in-person training as they enable direct interaction between the trainer and participants, as well as increased flexibility to cater to individual needs.

Safe

In addition to being effective, they are also very safe. Participants can connect from their homes or workplace without the need for travel, significantly reducing travel-related risks.

Moreover, webinar platforms often employ advanced security measures to protect participants' personal and professional data, such as passwords and private links.

Engaging

Webinars allow presenters to create an immersive experience by incorporating visually appealing graphics that captivate the audience and keep them engaged from start to finish using tools such as dynamic content presentations, videos, and interactive quizzes, among others.

Affordable

Training webinars are often much more affordable than in-person training. Businesses can save on travel costs, venue rentals, and other expenses associated with organizing in-person training, while potentially achieving better collaboration and increased reach.

What are the Objectives of an Online Webinar?

Webinars have different objectives, but generally, they are organized to provide training on a specific subject.

Objectives may include imparting technical knowledge, presenting information about a product or service, providing practical tips, or offering continuous professional development.

Ultimate Training Webinars Guide

Planning a successful training webinar requires careful preparation and execution to ensure everything runs smoothly.

1. Select a Relevant and Engaging Topic for Your Target Audience

The choice of topic is crucial to the success of your webinar. It should be relevant and engaging for your target audience to capture their attention and generate interest.

Take the time to understand the needs and expectations of your audience before selecting an appropriate topic.

2. Choose an Expert Trainer in the Field

You need an expert in the field who can communicate clearly and effectively with your target audience.

Make sure the trainer has proven experience in delivering online training and can address audience questions in real time.

3. Plan the Logistics

Ensure you have all the necessary resources to organize and broadcast your webinar online.

This includes selecting a webinar platform, organizing test sessions to ensure everything works properly, and setting up the appropriate audiovisual equipment.

PQM.net specializes in this field with its proprietary StudioCast platform.

4. Promote Your Event

Once your topic is selected, your trainer is ready, and logistics are in place, it's time to promote your webinar to your target audience.

Utilize communication channels such as social media, email marketing (internal or external), calendar invitations, and online advertisements to reach a wide audience.

Make sure to include clear information about the date, time, and topic of the training webinar, as well as a call-to-action to encourage registrations.

Fortunately, PQM.net can take care of all of this for you.

Ask us how!

5. Choose a Reliable and User-Friendly Webinar Platform to Host Your Event

Although this point is number 5, we could say it is one of the most important.

The choice of webinar software and platform is crucial to the success of your online event.

It should be reliable and easy to use so that participants can connect without issues and follow the content presented by the trainer.

The location of the servers also plays a vital role in the success of the broadcast as well as in security. It is your right to ask.

6. Use Tools to Create Engaging Slides and Visual Supports

Visual appeal is important. By using tools to create engaging slides and visual supports, you can capture your audience's attention and reinforce the impact of your message.

There are many online tools available to assist you in creating impactful and professional presentations, such as Canva, Prezi, and PowerPoint.

Don't forget to strike a balance between visual content and textual information for a comprehensive and effective experience.

7. Create Interaction with Your Audience

During a webinar, it is essential to create interaction with your audience. This can be done using tools such as polls, live Q&A sessions, and live chats to encourage interaction.

Ensure you allocate dedicated time to answer questions and interact with your audience to maintain their interest throughout the event.

For example, Slido for creating polls, Q&A sessions, etc.

With active interaction, you can also gather valuable feedback and ideas to improve your future webinars.

8. Analyze Participation and Interaction Results

Once your webinar is complete, take the time to analyze the participation and interaction results.

This will help you evaluate the effectiveness of your presentation and identify what worked well and what could be improved for your future online events.

Take a closer look at participation statistics, such as the number of participants and their geographical locations, as well as interaction data, such as questions asked and comments submitted.

This information will provide valuable insights into your audience and their needs, enabling you to develop more engaging and relevant webinars in the future.

You can adjust your content and approach based on what you have learned to deliver an even more effective online training experience.

Remember that webinars can be a powerful way to build a relationship with your audience and provide quality training.

In Summary

By following these key steps, you can create online events that not only meet your audience's needs but also engage them meaningfully.

So why not start planning your next training webinar now? With a little preparation and effort, you can create an unforgettable online training experience for your audience.

Remember to use effective promotion tools, carefully plan your presentation, use visually appealing supports, and take the time to analyze participation and interaction results.

With these tips in mind, you are on your way to creating successful and engaging training webinars for your audience.

Keep in mind that online learning is constantly evolving, so don't hesitate to explore new creative ways to engage your audience in your upcoming events.

Guess what? We are here for that!

What Can PQM.net Do for You?

PQM.net, with its presence in Quebec, offers a comprehensive proprietary webinar platform that has proven its worth (StudioCast), including tools for planning, managing, hosting, and promoting your online events.

With our platform, you can easily create an interactive experience for your audience with features such as live polls, live chats, and real-time Q&A sessions.

Furthermore, our team of professionals can assist you in creating visually appealing supports for your presentation and planning a winning strategy for your virtual meeting.

We believe that the key to a successful online conference or training webinar is interaction with your audience, and we work with you to create a unique experience for each event with our turnkey service.

Contact us today to discover how we can help you connect more effectively with your audience through our interactive training webinar services.

Have you ever noticed temporary blurry vision, eye fatigue, or even headaches after attending a virtual event, webinar, or especially after a long day of remote work?

If so, you may be experiencing visual fatigue.

With many of us working remotely since the pandemic, it's understandable that screens have become increasingly present in our lives, catering to our daily needs for several years now.

Imagine our webinar and webcasting experts at PQM.net who spend their entire day in front of a screen!

But do all these hours spent in front of screens have an impact on our health?

Let's take a step back and take a closer look at this phenomenon to see if there is any truth to the rumours.

In this article, we will examine the effects on your health of spending long hours in front of a screen all day long, and what can happen if you don't take specific measures.

Let's start by defining two terms.

What is visual fatigue?

Visual fatigue is a condition that causes eye strain and discomfort after prolonged use of a computer screen, tablet, or smartphone.

Symptoms include headaches, dry eyes, eye pain, and blurred vision.

What is blue light?

It is a wavelength found in the visible part of the white light spectrum.

It has been known to impact sleep by suppressing the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep cycle.

Computer screens, smartphones, and tablets all emit blue light, so spending too much time in front of these devices can disrupt our sleep and make us tired during the day.

Symptoms of eye fatigue, how to prevent it?

"In the presence of artificial blue light, we tend to squint, which creates visual tension. We have a feeling of dry eyes, which can cause headaches. Visual performance is also affected. Blue light is diffuse and creates glare, making it difficult to see details and contrasts." Source: Alexandre Sasseville, excerpt from La Presse

Here are five (5) measures you can take to prevent or reduce symptoms of screen-related eye fatigue.

1) Take regular breaks

Make sure to take frequent breaks when working on your laptop or other light-emitting digital devices.

The general rule is 20-20-20.

The rule consists of regularly diverting your gaze from your screen every 20 minutes, focusing on something else that is about 20 feet (6 meters) away for at least 20 seconds.

This will help reduce eye fatigue and give your brain a well-deserved rest.

Overuse of screens can lead to "computer vision syndrome" or CVS.

This temporary condition is characterized by eye fatigue and irritation, red eyes, the infamous headache, and blurred vision.

It is usually caused by a prolonged fixation on the computer screen.

In general, the symptoms subside after a break away from the screen.

2) Use of glasses

Opt for purchasing a pair of glasses dedicated to blocking blue light, also known as "computer glasses," which filter a portion of the "harmful" spectrum emitted by screens for human eyes.

These glasses will not completely eliminate visual fatigue or solve the problem entirely, but they can help alleviate symptoms.

3) Contact lenses

If you wear contact lenses, give your eyes a break by wearing glasses in front of a screen. This will help reduce the risk of dryness and irritation.

Have artificial tears on hand that you can use at any time if you cannot remove your contact lenses or do not wish to wear them.

4) Lighting issues

Adjust the lighting in your room to avoid working in a completely dark environment or under intense fluorescent lights.

Ideally, it is best to have a balance between natural and artificial light, but especially daylight from the sun, which is by far the best source of light.

Consider investing in an LED bulb.

These alternatives are particularly recommended for those who wish to purchase a bulb with low blue light emission.

LED bulbs generally have a longer lifespan compared to other types of bulbs, while consuming less energy, making them a more environmentally friendly option: a win-win situation!

5) Screen position for your eyes

Ensure that your screens are positioned at eye level and at a distance of about arm's length.

Having a screen positioned too low, regardless of the device, can cause tension in the neck and lead to eye fatigue.

Unable to adjust your screen? No problem, use a laptop stand, which you can purchase online or at any good electronics store.

For a quick and cost-effective solution, you can simply place a book under your laptop to elevate it.

6) And most importantly: Disconnect!

It would be wise to try to incorporate good sleep habits by disconnecting from your digital screens at least 60 minutes before bedtime.

This will help you have a peaceful night's sleep and wake up feeling refreshed the next day.

Blue light can disrupt and interfere with sleep cycles.

"[...] it has been shown to suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles. This can lead to problems getting enough sleep and can have other adverse effects on health." Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists

A very interesting study conducted by Harvard Medical School has demonstrated the effects on sleep as well as a possible correlation with diabetes. Study here.

So, no more Instagram and TikTok of cats and babies before bedtime!

In conclusion

The precise cause of this condition remains unknown and no specific treatment is available, but it is undeniable that visual fatigue and its effects are real phenomena that can lead to various symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision.

If you have been experiencing increased fatigue recently, it could be attributed to an increase in your screen time and very possibly to overexposure to blue light.

By applying these few simple yet significant steps, you will instantly feel better.

Go ahead! It's now time to do a "20-20-20."