What is and why would I webinar?

Webinars are a wonderful method of keeping informed and current without leaving your service or setting.  Particularly of interest to those in regional and more remote areas, webinars - web-based seminars - can also be repeated, reviewed and even requested.  If there is a topic that has not been covered, ECTARC*, for example, are more than happy to hear from you.  As are Resourcing Families and many other organisations that support Early Childhood Professional Development, families, and children in general. 

To join a webinar, you may need to download software that is often free and readily available.  Prior to the webinar beginning, you will follow directions from the webinar host, download this software onto your device  (laptop, PC, tablet, iPad etc) if it's not already there.  You will receive a sign in name / number/ password when you register.  Many times there will be opportunity for you to type in a question or even talk into the computer microphone and a response will be provided.  If you prefer anonymity, you can request that, too. 
A webinar follows a series of slides, video, live streamed footage, as you would for a seminar.  If you register in enough time, you will often receive handouts prior to the webinar, in order to familiarise yourself, and prepare any comments or questions.  If not, you will most likely receive them following the webinar. The free Grow & Thrive webinar discussed in a blog last week was live yesterday, and today you can view the webinar.  A great example of what is 'out there'.
A list of current ECTARC webinars and next year's calendar of events is available: webinar training calendar.   Continuing on 10th December with The EYLF with Babies and Toddlers, click to see what else might be of interest.  These ones have a fee, some do not.  Keep an eye out and join what is relevant for you. 

*Early Childhood Training and Resource Centre.