Frequently Asked Questions
For a pdf of this information, please click here.
What is the OWCN Online Training Series?
In the past OWCN basic training courses were provided in a classroom setting over a two-day period; however, that format proved restrictive to many potential participants due to travel costs, class size limitations and scheduling difficulties. To increase access to basic training courses, the OWCN has taken the program from the classroom to the Internet
What are Webinars?
Webinars are basic training lectures delivered over the Internet. Each Webinar in our series is offered in real-time once a year (on a Saturday). In addition to allowing individuals the ease of viewing lectures from the comfort of their home, the Webinar format offers attendees an opportunity to interact with the instructor(s) by typing questions while the lecture is taking place.
Who should attend the Webinars?
The OWCN is excited to offer this opportunity to all member organizations’ staff and volunteers. The Webinars offer a wealth of knowledge for those new to oiled wildlife response, and are great for experienced wildlife rehabilitators wanting to learn the latest OWCN protocols and procedures.
What will I learn?
The Webinars cover a variety of subjects related to oiled wildlife response in California. Topics range from the effects of oil on wildlife to basic seabird and marine mammal rehabilitation techniques. To learn more about Webinar topics and dates, please click here.
Why am I required to complete a quiz after attending each session?
The OWCN wants to make sure each attendee learns the key concepts and receives credit for each presentation. Additionally the quizzes provide us with an opportunity to identify any weaknesses in the presentations and ensure information is being clearly relayed.
What benefits do I receive when I complete the series?
If you complete all five modules and their accompanying quizzes within the training calendar year, you will receive a certificate of accomplishment from the OWCN. Those volunteers who have completed the series and received the certificate will be among the first to be contacted when the OWCN is activated and in need of volunteers to care for oiled wildlife. Certificates are sent out by December at the end of the training calendar year.
What if I can’t attend the live Webinars?
If you are unable to attend the live-presentation of each Webinar, there is the opportunity to access a recorded version. A separate email is sent out inviting individuals to register to view the recording. Recorded Webinars will be available to view for up to one month following the live broadcast. To receive credit for viewing a recording, a quiz must be submitted by the end of that one month period.
*Although the option to view these recorded lectures is available, we strongly encourage you to attend the live-presentations whenever possible so you may interact with the instructor.*
What do I do if I attended a live Webinar presentation and want to watch the recording?
A Web link will be emailed to everyone registered for the Webinar on the first business day after the Webinar is broadcast. This link will direct you to the recorded presentations. To access the recording, use the login and password created for the live Webinar. Registered individuals who were unable to attend the live-presentations may view the recording and receive credit by completing all associated quizzes. The deadline for submitting these quizzes is at the end of the recording access period for that topic.
How do I register for the Webinars?
Prior to each Webinar, the OWCN’s Volunteer Coordinator will send an email containing registration information to each member organization’s primary and secondary contacts, along with the volunteer coordinator. Each organization is responsible for sending this information to its volunteer corps and staff members.
Sample email:
How will I learn about training opportunities?
There are three basic ways you can learn about our Online Training Series:
- Check the OWCN Web site for updated information (www.owcn.org).
- Each OWCN member organization has a primary, secondary and volunteer coordinator contact. Information regarding upcoming trainings is provided to those representatives who distribute the information to their organization’s staff and volunteer base.
- When you register for Webinars you will be entered into the OWCN Volunteer Database and added to an electronic mailing list. Once on the mailing list, you will receive direct mailings regarding information on volunteer training opportunities.
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