WorkWORLD Distance Learning

General Information

Distance training is an effective way for people to gain knowledge and skills through web-based media. We hope that this learning experience will motivate you to want to continue to learn about WorkWORLD^TM software and to become comfortable with using it for decision-support and as an information resource. Currently, there is one Distance Learning Module, comprised of 14 Lessons, available for your use.

Additionally, integrated, synchronized, closed-captioned multi-media demonstrations of WorkWORLD are now available on our website. Tutorial modules explain WorkWORLD's features and show many aspects of its operation, while presentation modules discuss the software's use in the broader context of benefits planning and service delivery for individuals. See and hear all the modules on the Tutorials and Presentations page. These modules supplement and add to the information found in the Distance Learning Modules.

If you are new to WorkWORLD, the most effective way to participate in this learning experience is to follow the links below to the first Module, and then start with Lesson 1 and go through each lesson sequentially. If you have some experience with WorkWORLD, you can go to the Module page and select individual lessons in any order you desire.

While each Module has been designed with its Lessons ordered in a particular way, you may freely go to any individual lesson. You may find that going through each Lesson in order, especially the first time you use them, makes it easier to follow, since topics and concepts are presented in a logical order. After you are familiar with the content of the entire Module, jumping around to specific Lessons may then be a more efficient way to use your time.

At the top and bottom of each Lesson page are navigation links and buttons. These allow you to move sequentially forward and backward through the Lessons. You can also jump up to the Module Lesson Synopses page, if you choose to view the Lessons in some other order.

The top of each Lesson page has a link and icon you may use if you wish to hear the lesson read to you. See the next section below for information about using this feature.

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Listening To Lessons

Each Lesson is available for you to listen to via streaming audio. Look for the following loudspeaker icon and text link near the top of each page:

Hear this lesson via RealAudio®

You can test to see if your computer is correctly set up for streaming audio by clicking on the icon or the link shown to the left of this paragraph. This should pop up RealPlayer and play a short message on properly configured computers.

Click on either the icon or the text link (on one of the Lesson pages, not here of course) to start listening to the lesson using streaming audio.

As you listen to the audio, you may also follow along by reading the text in your browser. The audio will be played through your RealPlayer®, which will pop up as a different window. All of the controls on that window will be fully functional and controllable by you. If you are reading along, for instance, you may wish to use the Pause button in order to remain in sync with the audio. Similarly, you may wish to use it if you follow a link off the page, and later use your browser's Back button to return to the Lesson page. At that time, you can use the player's Play button to resume the audio where you left off.

Additionally, if your RealPlayer version supports the feature, it may be advantageous to switch it to compact mode. This will greatly reduce the player window size on your screen while still allowing you to use its controls. You can also minimize the player window to remove it from your screen entirely but still continue to listen to it. See the Help button on the player for more information about operational details.

Closing the player window will stop the audio. You can click on a new audio link to stop a currently playing one and start listening to the new one.

In order to use the audio features described above, you must have the free RealPlayer installed on your computer. You can get more information about it, and download a free copy of the latest version by following the link below (be sure to select the free "Basic" version rather than the "Plus" version offered for sale):

http://www.real.com/products/player/index.html

Additional information about RealPlayer and streaming audio on our Web site may be found in the Streaming Audio topic of the Accessibility page.

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Distance Learning Module 1 Summary

This module, consisting of fourteen Lessons, represents the first phase of a planned comprehensive distance learning program. This module:

Will introduce you to some of the key concepts that have prompted the development of WorkWORLD software
Will describe potential uses and broad impacts of the software, including how it may be used to make immediate assessments about potential work incentive options or may be used for long-term employment planning, and
Will describe future possibilities for the development of a national knowledge-based decision support network.

Completion of this program will provide a solid base of understanding for future distance learning modules that will focus on how to operate WorkWORLD software and how to develop your own cases and scenarios in the software.

Click this link to jump to the Module 1 Lessons page.

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