Virtual Learning

A virtual course is held online instead of face-to-face in a classroom. You can participate using a computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Visit the MyLearning Course Catalog to see a list of upcoming courses. To view a list of virtual courses, go to the filter menus on the left and select Virtual for Session Type.

Enroll for the course in MyLearning to request approval from your supervisor, just as you would for an in-person course.

It’s easy: simply go to the MyLearning Course Catalog, search for the course, click View Course, choose the session desired, and click Enroll in Course. For more details and screenshots, view the MyLearning Course Enrollment Guide.

After enrolling, once your supervisor approves, you will receive a confirmation email followed by an Outlook calendar invite. At the designated time, log in on your computer or mobile device using the link in the email. If using a telephone for audio functions, dial one of the toll-free telephone numbers provided in the same email.

For courses presented using Zoom:

• If using a computer or laptop, you can access the course using your web browser without installing Zoom (see tutorial). If you decide to download Zoom, select the Zoom Desktop Client option.
• If using a tablet or smartphone, you may need to download Zoom (select the Zoom Mobile Apps option) if you cannot access the course through a web browser. 

For courses presented using Microsoft Teams:

• Teams is part of the Microsoft Office suite (O365) provided to most County employees. If you do not have Teams, please work with your supervisor to request assistance through the Business Technology Services (BTS) Operations Center.

No. Participants are not required to have an account.

Here are some options to quickly familiarize yourself with Zoom:

• Join the virtual course 15 minutes prior to the start to take part in a short Zoom overview session.
• View a Zoom Overview.
• Join a Zoom Test Meeting to test your audio and internet connection.

Yes. Employees must have a working camera and have the camera on for the duration of the virtual class.

For courses presented using Zoom:

No. A microphone is optional. However, if your computer/laptop does not have a microphone, we recommend you also use a phone to call in so you can speak while viewing the course on your computer. If a phone is not available to call in, you can ask questions or type responses using the Zoom Chat feature on your computer.

For courses presented using Microsoft Teams:

No. A microphone is optional, but it is suggested for a more engaging experience. The Chat feature may be utilized to type questions or responses since you will not be able to talk. There is no call-in option for this platform at this time.

For courses presented using Zoom:

Yes. If you don’t have a microphone or speaker on your computer, you can participate by phone. However, it is recommended that you also use a computer/laptop or mobile device to view the presentation while using the phone for audio features. Tips when accessing a Zoom course via phone:

• Use *6 to mute/unmute.
• Use *9 to raise your hand.

For courses presented using Microsoft Teams:

Yes. If you don’t have a microphone or speaker on your computer, you can participate by phone. However, it is recommended that you also use a computer/laptop or mobile device to view the presentation while using the phone for audio features.

No. Each virtual course offers participant interaction and engagement activities that are unique every time the course is offered. Not recording a course also allows for more open and honest communication between participants and the instructor. There are some lecture-only webinars available, which are recorded.

No. This learning opportunity is not a webinar and should not be accessed as a group. The course activities are meant to provide individualized learning and participation.

• Set up an intentional space to avoid distractions.
• Make sure you’re muted when not talking.
• Be yourself and respect others.
• Ask questions using the Chat feature.
• Utilize the Raise Your Hand feature if you want to ask a question live.

Contact the Learning & Development team at learning@pinellas.gov.