Case Study - Attending a Webinar - Scope

Attending a Webinar
A case example

Disclaimer
This project/consultation process is independently managed by Scope
and funded by a grant from the Australian Government Department of
Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
The opinions, comments and/or analysis expressed in this document
are those of the author or authors and do not necessarily represent the
views of the Minister for Disability Reform and cannot be taken in any
way as expressions of government policy.

The Story
• Sharon is a therapist working in a
community team in rural Victoria
• Sharon recently started working with
children and adults with autism and their
families
• She would like to develop additional
skills in the area of autism and finds a
number of professional development
activities on offer in Melbourne
• Sharon recognises that attending even a
few of these events is costly and time
consuming

Professional Development Plan
• Sharon approaches her manager, Therese, who suggests that she
participate in a few key ‘Webinars’. Therese explains that:
o A webinar is a web-based facility that allows people to conduct and
attend presentations, lectures and other interactive workshops over the
internet.
o Webinars are available through a range of providers including
professional associations.

Considerations for Practice
• Sharon considers this a good option for her as it means that she
does not have to spend additional time and money on travel and
accommodation.
• She considers, however, that she won’t have the benefit of
interacting with colleagues and sharing information, as she would if
attending an actual conference.

Considerations for Practice
• Sharon considers the following:
Is there a suitable webinar available?
Do I need particular technology to access it?
Do I know how to use this technology?
Do I need to download a particular app or program?
Are there colleagues in my own team who might want to participate?

Which technology?
• Sharon finds a webinar run by an Autism association
• She registers to attend the webinar and is sent a web link to test if
she can attend the webinar from her computer.
• Sharon tests the link and discovers that it doesn’t work. She
contacts the I.T. department who advise her to use the multimedia
PC located in the meeting room. I.T. also advise her to “Check her
Bandwidth” prior to attending the webinar

Quick Guides and Explainers
Sharon refers to the “Wireless Data”
Explainer

Quick Guides and Explainers
Sharon also uses the “Check your
Wireless Bandwidth” Quick Guide

Considerations for Practice
Sharon refers to Checklist 3.1.6:
“Collaborating with others to be
Innovative” and invites some of her
colleagues to attend the webinar
with her

Outcomes
• Sharon attends the webinar with a colleague and enjoys robust
discussion about the topic
• Sharon is looking forward to attending further webinars as part of
her professional development.