Question 1

What does it cost to put a program online?

Accepted Answer

Putting training programs online is relatively easy.   Cost will depend on the complexity of the material and the style of presentation – for example videos, animation, talk/text or simply text.   There are many Learning Management Systems (LMS) now available that can sit behind a front-end Webpage. These may be a pay by use (each time a student logs on you pay a fee) or a monthly payment to an LMS management organisation with unlimited usage or a combination of both.    Simple videos made on a home computer with audio and then uploaded on to a learning management system, paid for monthly with an unlimited participant usage package, can be one way of delivering an online program.   Alternatively videos can simply be uploaded and then delivered through a payment portal without questionnaires or certificates.  This avoids the need for an LMS.   The cost of creating, installing and maintaining a program online can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the system and whether there is interaction between the trainer and the participant or it is simply a self-paced learning platform with little no interaction with trainers.  This is called SAS (Software as a Service).   As previously mentioned it will also depend on whether an LMS is used or ‘How to’ videos are simply uploaded on to a webpage and access is provided after payment.    Depending on the time involved in creating an online program IMPOWRD can create simple online programs for as little as $5000 (+GST). You would then upload these to your LMS or onto your own website after creating a payment portal.    We recommend you engage with an IT expert in the area of LMS who can upload your materials and maintain your site if you are not technologically minded, or you do not have the time to create and maintain the system yourself. Alternatively you can upload and maintain your own program to the LMS that best suits your budget and training requirements.

Question 2

What makes an online training program successful?

Accepted Answer

Successful online programs provide learning material that is engaging and on a subject that will be of enough interest to enough people to pay money to gain access to it.   Simply creating a ‘how to’ training video and then asking people to pay for it may not work mainly because basic ‘How to’ videos are available on almost every subject on YouTube free.   Learners have become far more discerning in their requirement for being ‘entertained’ while learning.  Your program must be relevant and in an entertaining style, that will keep the learner engaged, while making them feel they are learning something that will benefit them in some way.   The most successful training programs focus on one subject, divided into short segments in a contextual lineal manner. This means the material is presented in a way that builds knowledge as it moves forward in short, clear and easy to understand lesson formats. The style of learning is important as well. Video lessons where someone stands or sits in one spot talking about a subject for 15 minutes generally won’t work, unless the person is a world renowned expert and the material is extremely relevant to the learner.   For example, Jack Smith from a small ice cream business talking about leadership, does not have the same pull as Richard Branson talking on the same subject.    Long, rambling, complex lessons by an unknown about a subject that is freely available on many other platforms by recognised experts will probably be overlooked, unless the presenter is prepared to spend large amounts of time and money on marketing and even then, success is not assured.

Question 3

Who is qualified to create an online program?

Accepted Answer

Anyone with specific expertise can create an online program.     Credibility is usually assessed by learners via qualifications and/or previous experience, reputation and testimonials.

Question 4

How do I start creating my online program?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, do your research. What is your subject matter? How many other programs are out there offering similar material to what you have in mind? How are they presenting their material?    And remember, just because someone has created a training program on a subject doesn’t mean yours can’t work. Is there some aspect within a broader subject that you have specific expertise in?     For example, cake making might be a broad subject of learning.  But perhaps an area such as ‘cakes that are good for you’ or ‘organic cake making’ or ‘making cakes for diabetics’, might gain a niche audience prepared to pay to learn from you.    Some successful online trainers have started with a niche market and then branched back into the broader subject matter when they have an audience already.    So perhaps the first step is to decide on your specific area of expertise.    You should then complete your research to see what is available online already. You may also wish to look at the fees being charged and if there are any free learning information on other platforms. How is the other material being presented? You may even wish to undertake a few programs on your subject matter to see how others are presenting their material.   You can then create an outline of your program and start writing your script.

Question 5

What can I expect from the team at IMPOWRD?

Accepted Answer

The team at Impowrd will provide you with a guide to assist you organise your material or the team at IMPOWRD can take your material and organise it into an easy to understand program. They can then provide you with scripts for you to record or organise voice overs for you. They will then use those recordings to create synchronised visual material to create an online format. This can be completed using animation, words, videos or a combination of styles.   All material developed by IMPOWRD and paid for by you remains yours. The copyrighted learning information material is yours. However, any animated images created by our team of animators remain the property of IMPOWRD, you do not own these images ever, and using them in any other way, other than the original program, is a breach of copyright.    If you wish to use videos of yourself, we can guide you and assist you to do this. All other images and videos are used from legitimate sources without breaches of copyright.    IMPOWRD charges a basic fee of $1,000 (+GST) to provide a basic process outline and suggested format and quote for a specific project. This is then used as a credit on the confirmed go ahead of the project.    We ask for 50% of the quoted amount on commencement.

Question 6

I would like to put my program online.  How long will it take?

Accepted Answer

IMPOWRD will provide you with a timeline of completion as part of your first step in the process, the basic process outline, as discussed in point 5, 'What can I expect from the team at IMPOWRD.'

Question 7

How do I start the process with IMPOWRD?

Accepted Answer

Your first step is to contact the friendly staff at IMPOWRD. You can do this via an online application process where you can outline your project and submit a request for either an online or face to face meeting.

Question 8

How long does the Developing Social Skills program take to complete?

Accepted Answer

The Developing Social Skills program has three modules and each of these modules has a varying number of lessons within them.   Each animated video varies from as little as 4 minutes and as long as 20 minutes.   How long a lesson takes to complete is based on the length of the animated video plus how long it takes to download the lesson summary and then correctly answer the questions in the short test that follows each lesson.   There are end of module tests and a final exam when all the lessons have been completed which will also take time to do. There are also two offline assignments that students are required to complete and hand to their teacher.   Some students have independently completed the program over an intensive focus period of a week whereas other students prefer to do only one or two lessons in a week in private study or class time.

Question 9

How long does the Employment Advantage program take to complete?

Accepted Answer

The Employment Advantage has five modules and each of these modules has a varying number of lessons within them.   The total video time is around 4 hours. Each animated video varies from as little as 4 minutes and as long as 20 minutes.   How long a lesson takes to complete is based on the length of the animated video plus how long it takes to download the lesson summary and then correctly answer the questions in the short test that follows each lesson.   There are end of module tests and a final exam when all the lessons have been completed which will also take time to do. There is an offline assignment which students are required to complete and hand to their teacher.   Some students have independently completed the program over an intensive focus period of a week whereas other students prefer to do only one or two lessons in a week in private study or class time.

Question 10

Is there any marking for teachers to complete?

Accepted Answer

The program is self contained and self paced. All quizzes, tests and exams are marked by artificial intelligence. The examination system is extremely robust to ensure the standard of learning is maintained. There are additional activity sheets for Employment Advantage is available to teachers in the lounge. These can be downloaded and handed to students as required. The marking sheets are provided to all teachers to cross check their answers.

Question 11

Is there any marking for teachers to complete?

Accepted Answer

The program is self contained and self paced. All quizzes, tests and exams are marked by artificial intelligence. The examination system is extremely robust to ensure the standard of learning is maintained. A Lifebook and Workbook assignment can be downloaded by each student to complete before the final exam where teachers may be required for assistance to complete.

Question 12

How much does the program cost for a school to buy?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of packages that schools can purchase. View our pricing page for more information.  For single logins, the fees are $75.00 each, but school licences can mean a student can gain access for as little as $9.50. We do have special offers from time to time so when you call our friendly sales team you can ask about these.

Question 13

Is the program endorsed or accredited?

Accepted Answer

The Employment Advantage and Developing Social Skills programs are both endorsed for one unit on the WA Certificate of Education. This equates to 5 whole points.   Students can redeem these points by presenting their certificate of completion to their teacher and the teacher sends the unique security code to the Schools Curriculum and Standards Authority to be redeemed and appear on their Certificate of Education. The Employment Advantage Program also fits neatly into the Australian Blueprint for Career Development, a framework for designing, implementing and evaluating career development programs for young people and adults. For example, PHASE IV 1.4 Improve abilities to maintain a positive self-concept, would fit into the first module of the Employment Advantage. The Australian Blueprint for Career Development can be found on their website. Educators can find the Competencies and relate them to the breakdown outline of the Employment Advantage program found HERE.

Question 14

If a career educator wanted to add class activities to the program delivery are these available?

Accepted Answer

The Employment Advantage Program has a Teacher's Lounge now available where you can access free resources. These resources can extend the online program by providing fun classroom activities. These activities will be delivered in PDF's that have activities for individual or group work. They can be used as 'homework' or in a classroom situation.

Question 15

Who uses the Developing Social Skills program?

Accepted Answer

The Developing Social Skills program is used by schools around Australia for developing social intelligence in ages 13 to 17.

Question 16

Who uses the Employment Advantage?

Accepted Answer

The Employment Advantage program is used by schools and employment services around Australia to increase the knowledge of the process of finding a job.

Question 17

What are the benefits of using the Employment Advantage program as opposed to other available information?

Accepted Answer

The Employment Advantage program is contextual, meaning it is delivered in a specific order of learning so students gradually develop an all-round knowledge of what to expect when looking for work. It also develops an understanding of how to optimise opportunities for success in the job market. There is a plethora of random information on the internet about how to create a resume and a covering letter, how to identify personal skills and personal qualities and how to attend an interview. But much of this information is delivered piecemeal in a variety of ways in a subjective manner with no information on the 'whys' in context. What the Employment Advantage program does is to make sense of the WHOLE process - rather than bits here and there.

Question 18

What are the benefits of using the Developing Social Skills program as opposed to other available information?

Accepted Answer

The Developing Social Skills program introduces practical social skills to young people 13 to 17. The learning process is constructed in ways that encourages the participant to question their thinking and their behaviours, and how these might benefit them - or not. This program aims to develop personal insight and general confidence, with the purpose of enabling participants to move easily into, and within, groups. Using animation has increased its learning appeal to a wider variety of learning styles and needs. The learning platform is easy to navigate and the activities and exercises are fun.     More importantly this program provides clear reasons and benefits as to why social skills are so important to each and every one of us.

Question 19

How long has this program been assisting people to find work?

Accepted Answer

The Employment Advantage was first developed nearly two decades ago and trialled on a wide variety of subject in a face to face version. The results were nothing short of phenomenal. People who had lost all hope of finding work were suddenly gaining interviews and getting employed. Natalia Josephs who created the program realised there was a knowledge gap. In 2006, after 7 years of continuous face to face delivery and upgrades, the program was put online in its first version. The animated version you see today is a recently updated version and in fact the fourth online version since 2006. The program receives many accolades from participants and educators who find the ease of delivery and the quality of the information extremely valuable when seeking work.

Question 20

How long has this program been assisting people develop their social intelligence?

Accepted Answer

The Developing Social Skills program was originally created as an adjunct to the Employment Advantage program 18 years ago. It was noted during trials of the Employment Advantage program that students who had certain social skills gained employment more quickly and maintained that employment for longer.    The original program was delivered face to face in schools by teachers who had been trained in the delivery of the program. Due to the success of the Employment Advantage, it was decided to take the Developing Social Skills online.    Although challenging the idea that social skills needed a face to face delivery to work,  animation and careful information structuring, has made this program a leader in the area of teaching social intelligence online.   This program is now a popular choice for busy teachers and those wishing to empower their students with a clear knowledge and understanding of how important social skills are to personal and career success.

Question 21

How long do I have to complete the program?

Accepted Answer

You have 12 months from the date you enroll to complete the programs.

Question 22

I have forgotten my password

Accepted Answer

You can reset your password by following this LINK.   If you do not receive the password reset email, it may be due to the following reasons: You incorrectly typed your email into the above link You created your account and the email entered was typed incorrectly Option 1 - retype your email into the above link and reset your password. Option 2 - contact customerservice@impowrd.com.au and ask us to look into the issue for you.

Question 23

Haven't received the password reset email

Accepted Answer

You can reset your password by following this LINK.   If you do not receive the password reset email, it may be due to the following reasons:   You incorrectly typed your email into the above link You created your account and the email entered was typed incorrectly  Option 1 - retype your email into the above link and reset your password. If you still don't receive it:  Option 2 - contact customerservice@impowrd.com.au and ask us to confirm your account's email address (username).

Question 24

How do I access the online programs?

Accepted Answer

If you have already purchased a login pack, you will have received a unique coupon code and link. You need to use this link.  There is a 4-step process. Firstly, you will need to create an account with Thinkific and then enrol in the online program.

Question 25

Enrolling in Employment Advantage or Developing Social Skills

Accepted Answer

You can now watch our 4-step process instructional video!  Watch how to enrol in Employment Advantage:     Watch how to enrol in Developing Social Skills:    -----  Step 1: Click on your unique program link you received when purchasing our program  Step 2: Create a new account         or login to existing account        Step 3: Click on blue button 'Enroll Now'   Step 4: Click on blue button 'Start Learning'   You are now enrolled in our online program!

Question 26

I've forgotten my password for login

Accepted Answer

Step 1: Go to password reset page Step 2: Enter your email address you used to sign up to the program and click 'submit'  Reset instructions will be emailed to you directly.  If you do not receive a password reset email, this is likely due to two reasons:  You incorrectly typed your email address into the password reset page You incorrectly typed your email address when creating an account in Thinkific  If you need to have your username amended, please email support@impowrd.com.au

Question 27

I'm having trouble logging in with my username and password

Accepted Answer

When you create your account, you need to make sure that you type in your email address and password accurately. You will have received emails on sign up from Thinkific confirming your account setup and enrollment in any of our online programs.   If your email is not working, it is likely that it was mispelt when creating your account.   Passwords are case sensitive.   Ask your teacher to email support@impowrd.com.au if you are facing issues with your login.