How to register on the professional online development (pod) website
On the professional online development (pod) homepage, you can choose to register
for the courses, or login (if you have already registered), from the menu
along the top.
When you click to register, you will be taken to a welcome page, which explains
the management of registration details. From here, click the ‘Next’ button
to enter the first registration page, where you can choose a username and password.
On clicking the ‘Next’ button again, you will be taken to the
second registration page, where you can enter the necessary personal details.
On completion, click the ‘Finish’ button to enter your personal
pod area.
When you have registered, you can quickly access the pod at any time. To login
from the homepage, simply click the ‘login’ link at the top.
This will take you to the login page where you can enter your username and
password and press the ‘login’ button to gain access to your personal
pod area.
Personal area
Your personal pod area holds your individual details and includes a simple
menu that allows you to manage your progress through the pod.
The ‘my details’ option allows you to edit and update your personal
details as necessary should you move address, switch occupation or change phone
number etc. Save any changes by clicking the ‘Save’ button at
the bottom.
The ‘pod courses’ option lists the courses you have undertaken
and the range of courses available on the
pod (under ‘All pod courses). Click on the appropriate course link to go
to the ‘Introduction’ page for that course, which gives an overview
of both the course and its objectives. This page also includes a menu bar along
the top with four other options.
The ‘feedback’ option offers you the opportunity to rate each
course and suggest possible improvements. You can also submit general comments
on any aspect of the courses or the POD itself.
The ’browser test’ option is important as it allows you to check
that the set-up on your system is suitable for running pod courses. Click the ‘Next’ button
to undertake three simple tests that will check the Javascript, Adobe Flash
Player and audio setup on your system. Click ‘Finish’ after the
third test to get your results and see whether your setup is suitable.
If not, follow the software and audio instructions at the end of this ‘Help’ section.
Helpful advice
- Plan to set aside specific times to work through the material and discipline
yourself to keep to this schedule. However, do not rush through the programme.
It’s what you learn that is important, not how fast you learn it.
- Maximise your progress by using any spare time you have to study (eg
quiet periods in your practice, a bus/train journey).
- Study sensibly and take regular breaks. Do not try to cram in too much
during study periods and supplement your study with practice, looking
at how you can apply and/or test the knowledge you have gained.
- Complete the exercises in each module as fully as possible before comparing
your responses to the answers or comments that follow. Do not be tempted
to jump ahead until you have given your own written response.
- Discuss your responses to the exercises with a colleague whenever you
get the chance.This is a useful way of consolidating and extending
your knowledge and expertise.
Software requirements
Please note that you will need several software packages to use this e-learning
programme.
PC users
Microsoft Internet Explorer (6 or above)
If you do not have Microsoft Internet Explorer on your PC, it can be downloaded
free of charge at: www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/
Adobe Flash Player (version 8 or above)
This can be downloaded free of charge at: www.adobe.com/shockwave/
Mac users
Apple Safari (2.0 or above)
If you do not have Apple Safari on your Mac, it can be downloaded free of charge
at: www.apple.com/safari/
Adobe Flash Player (version 8 or above)
This can be downloaded free of charge at: www.adobe.com/shockwave/
An alternative web browser to Microsoft Internet Explorer on the PC and Apple
Safari on the Mac is Mozilla Firefox (1.5 or above). Firefox
can be used on all systems and is available to download at: http://www.mozilla.com
If you are experiencing problems, please contact your local IT support network. The browser
test in the personal pod area will check whether the setup on your system is suitable to run
the e-learning programme.
Listening to audio clips
This e-learning site contains a number of audio clips on various topics.
When you go to a page that contains audio, follow the simple instructions on
how to hear the clip.
If you are unable to hear the audio clips, you should check a few things on
your computer:
- Ensure you have Adobe Flash Player installed.
- Are the speakers/headphones connected properly?
- Does your computer have a sound card/hardware?
- Is your speaker/computer volume turned up?