What is a webinar?
A webinar is an Internet-based conference during which participants view handouts/slides via a web browser and listen to the speakers by telephone. This distance learning vehicle allows learners to participate in a conference without leaving the office. FDLI webinars are usually 1.5-2 hours long. During an FDLI webinar, time is allotted for live questions and answers, allowing interaction between the speakers and learners. To participate in a webinar, a participant, known as a site, needs a computer with Internet access and a telephone. Shortly before the webinar, a registered site receives log-in, browser test and dial-in instructions, and information on how to access slides by email. The person registered for the webinar is the one who receives the password-protected instructions. For each computer and telephone connection, a site consists of an individual or a whole room full of colleagues in one location. FDLI’s webinar vendor is provided with a list of confirmed and registered participants/sites. If a site does not appear on the list, the vendor may not connect or will disconnect unconfirmed sites.