What to Expect
| For many of you, participating in an online event is a new experience. This section is designed to answer some basic questions about online learning -- including where to go to learn more! |
What Will I Learn from This Event?
Using Existing Data in Your Needs Assessment is a five-part workshop designed to be completed over the course of five days. It is divided into these sections:
Day 1: Needs Assessment and the Value of Existing Data
MSCs will receive a brief introduction to needs assessment, with an emphasis on the importance of using available data as a foundation for their information-gathering efforts.
Day 2: Finding Local Data
MSCs will learn about different types and sources of community data, as well as issues to consider when obtaining this information.
Day 3: Using State and National Data
MSCs will explore reasons for looking beyond their communities for needs assessment information and learn about various sources of state, regional, and national data that can shed light on local issues.
Day 4: Setting Priorities to Guide Program Selection
MSCs will find out how to transform their needs assessment information into prevention priorities as they continue through the strategic planning process.
Day 5: Event Summary and Wrap-up
MSCs will receive a synthesis of the week's discussion, reflect on the event, and complete an online assessment questionnaire.
How Much Time Should I Spend on This Event?
Participants should log in at least once a day, although it may be helpful to log in more often. Some find that they can better monitor and contribute to the online discussion if they log in toward the beginning and end of each day. Please make sure that you allow enough time each day to read through the daily materials, complete associated activities, and visit the discussion area. However, more time is required if you want to take full advantage of the many tools, resources, and links that are provided to enhance this event. On average, past participants have spent approximately one hour per day reviewing materials, completing activities, and contributing to the discussion.
How Is the Site Organized?
Each online event website includes eight sections:
Event Schedule
This section describes what participants will be doing each day of the event.
Materials
This is where participants can acquire a basic understanding of the event topic. Materials will appear in a variety of formats and can be printed for future reference.
Activities
This section contains one or two structured tasks that participants will be asked to complete during the course of the event. The activities are designed to help participants apply the knowledge they acquired through the event materials and discussion.
Discussion
After completing each activity, active participants will be asked to share their experiences and lessons learned in this section of the website.
Auditors can post their questions to the designated Q&A Board in this section.
Event Staff
This section displays brief biographies of the event facilitators, content developers, and technical support staff.
Resources & Links
The information contained in this section is designed to complement the event materials, facilitate ease of participation in the event, and enhance overall learning.
Event Support
Participants with technical questions can go to this section and submit an online request for assistance.
Glossary
This section provides definitions of many content-specific terms used throughout the event.
Take some time to tour the site and familiarize yourself with its layout and content.
Can I Print these Materials?
Many of the materials and tools on this site have been developed for you to print out and use for future reference. However, before printing, we strongly suggest that your review the materials online so that you can see how the different sections fit together.
To print out a specific page, simply go to the page of interest, place your cursor on File (at the top of the page), go to Print, then press OK. This will print everything on the screen in front of you. To print only the text (minus the navigation bars at the top and side of the screen), begin by opening the site using the web browser Explorer. Then place your cursor on the page you want to print, "right click" with your mouse, select Print, then choose OK.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to print the entire site with a single click of the mouse.
Where Can I Go for Help?
Participants with technical questions or problems can submit a request for assistance to Event Support. Your questions may also be answered by consulting Tips for Navigating this Site, Tips for Participating in Online Events, and Tips for Using the Discussion Area. Also, the Glossary may help clarify the meaning of various terms used throughout the event.
You have completed this section.
Proceed to Event Schedule. |
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