With budgets the way they are for all of us we have decided to make every attempt to provide the Minnesota Fire Service with the information that has been requested in the past via the internet.  This will mean that you can attend a session below or review a previously recorded session at your convenience.  For those of you that attend a live WebEx broadcast you can interact with us live online with questions as before. The benefits are as an example, if you are only interested in a Regional Project you don't have to listen to all the other discussions on vehicles etc. Details below.

For questions regarding the workshop content, please contact workshop presenters.

Our FEMA Region V Contact is

---

Online WebEx Q & A  and Workshops

• Monday, March 15, 2010 - AFG Program First Time Applicants - Orientation to the AFG Program and  Overview of the Guidance Document  Time: Time: 7:00 pm, Central Daylight Time (Chicago, GMT-05:00) To use VoIP, participants must have a working microphone and speaker on their computers.
• Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - AFG Program - Scoring Process - This will be a one (1) hour live session where you can ask questions about the scoring process. Time: 7:00 pm, Central Daylight Time (Chicago, GMT-05:00) To use VoIP, participants must have a working microphone and speaker on their computers.
• Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - General Questions and Discussion Online Live One Hour Session - Join us online and ask your questions. Time: 7:00 pm, Central Daylight Time (Chicago, GMT-05:00) To use VoIP, participants must have a working microphone and speaker on their computers.
• Tuesday, April 6, 2010 - General Questions and Discussion Online Live One Hour Session - Join us online and ask your questions. Time: 7:00 pm, Central Daylight Time (Chicago, GMT-05:00) To use VoIP, participants must have a working microphone and speaker on their computers.
• Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - General Questions and Discussion Online Live One Hour Session - Join us online and ask your questions. Time: 7:00 pm, Central Daylight Time (Chicago, GMT-05:00) To use VoIP, participants must have a working microphone and speaker on their computers.
• Tuesday, April 27, 2010 - Regional Questions and Discussion Online Live One Hour Session - Join us online and ask your questions. Time: 7:00 pm, Central Daylight Time (Chicago, GMT-05:00) To use VoIP, participants must have a working microphone and speaker on their computers.

Print Copy of Schedule

---

Classroom Instructor Led Workshops

• 3/23/2010 Detroit Lakes MN Detroit Lakes Technical College 900 Hwy 34 East 7:00 pm
• 3/24/2010 St. Cloud MN St. Cloud Technical College 1540 Northway Drive 7:00 pm
• 3/25/2010 Rochester MN Rochester Fire Station #1 521 S. Broadway 7:00 pm
• 3/29/2010 Thief River Falls MN Northland College Room 605 1101 Highway East 6:30 pm
• 3/30/2010 Brainerd MN Central Lakes College in Brainerd Room E-208 6:30 pm
• 4/05/2010 Pine City MN Pine Technical College Auditorium 900 4th Street SE 7:00 pm
• 4/06/2010 Duluth MN Lake Superior College ARFF Training Center 11501 Highway 23 6:30 pm
• 4/12/2010 Willmar MN Ridgewater College Conference Room 2101 15th Ave. W 7:00 pm
• 4/13/2010 Marshall MN Merit Center 1001 West Erie Road (County Road 33) 7:00 pm
• 4/14/2010 North Mankato MN South Central College Conference Center A 1920 Lee Blvd 7:00 pm
• 4/15/2010 Alexandria MN Alexandria Technical College Room 209 1601 Jefferson Street 7:00 pm

Print Copy of Schedule

In the simplest terms, Cisco WebEx is the leading provider of web meetings, also known as web conferences, webinars, elearning, web collaboration...to add a few more!  This answer most often leads to another question…

Web meetings, or web conferencing, make it possible for you to share what’s on the instructors computer desktop with people in other locations--in real time, over the web. Typically this happens in conjunction with audio conferencing session, so we have the ability to show and tell, share documents, make presentations, and collaborate with people across town and around the world. Web conferencing lets us use the power of the Internet to hold meetings without leaving your fire station, office or home.  There's no software to install and no hardware to purchase. You can join a web meeting with the click of your mouse no matter what platform you're using.

WebEx is not a standard software product that you purchase and install on your computer. It’s delivered on-demand, as a service through your web browser.

The Fire/EMS/Safety Center has subscribed to WebEx service for some time now so there is no fee for you to participate. You access WebEx through your browser and after you register with us you will receive an email with instruction on how to join in your web meeting.  It’s very easy.

Audio conferencing is a vital component of a web meeting. You will need a set of speakers for your computer or if you will be the only person participating we recommend using a headset with microphone as it works much better. If you and a few others will be participating on the same computer you will then need to use the speakers on your computer and a microphone on your computer to communicate via voice. We will also have the ability to type your questions in a chat window to us live during the session in case you don't have or want a microphone.

We will be using what is called VOIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol so you will NOT need a telephone to talk on for these sessions.

MFSN EDITORS PREFERRED HEADSET                       (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW)

You can go to most electronic stores and ask for a gamers headset. Make sure that your computer has an audio board and determine what microphone connections you have.

Plantronics GameCom 777 Surround Sound headset is an open-eared headset with 5.1 Dolby Headphone technology gives you an unparalleled audio advantage that lets you hear your opponents before you see them. Connect with the Dolby USB sound card for a true 5.1 experience. But if needed, an analog connection is also provided. Stay comfortable with a lightweight frame and specially designed earpods that redistribute pressure. When you’re ready to fire off orders, unveil the hidden, noise-canceling mic boom to strategize clearly with team members. Responses coming in? Adjust audio levels using in-line volume and mic-mute controls.
 
Key Features:

• Dolby® Headphone Technology delivers a 5.1-channel audio experience.
• Dolby® USB sound card is the only way to get the 5.1 experience. If needed, an analog connection is also provided.
• Open-ear design keeps you connected to the game and your surroundings.
• Concealed mic boom stays hidden until you’re ready to use it.
• Specially designed earpods redistribute pressure for maximum comfort.
• In-line volume and mic-mute controls allow for easy audio adjustment.
• Noise-canceling microphone lets you communicate clearly.
• Rugged, military-grade design and extra-strength cables make your hardware hardcore.

 All you need to use WebEx is a standard web browser and any internet connection. Obviously the faster your internet connection the better it will work.

System Requirements and Registration Procedures

• Computer with internet connection, high speed preferred.
• Computer with external speakers preferred.
• Computer with external microphone preferred.
• Comfortable chair and snacks
• Register for the workshops of your choice if required
  
• Download handouts when notified.
  

Windows 98, 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista

• Internet Explorer 6/7
• Firefox 2/3
• Mozilla 1.7 or higher
• Netscape 8.1 or higher
• JavaScript and cookies need to be enabled
• Recommend ActiveX be enabled for Internet Explorer
• Vista supports Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 2/3 browsers only

Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4, 10.5 (PowerPC/Intel)

• Safari 1.3 (Mac OS 10.3)
• Safari 2.0 (Mac OS 10.4)
• Safari 3.0 (Mac OS 10.4,10.5)
• Firefox 2/3
• JavaScript and cookies need to be enabled
• Requires Apple Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 5.0 or higher

For those of you that choose to use the archived recorded session for the information you can email us your questions.

For questions regarding the workshop content, please contact workshop presenters.