Distance Learning Frequently Asked Questions
- What is "distance learning"?
- Are NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars approved for CE?
- How do I know if my state has approved an NFDA Teleconference or Webinar for CE?
- How do I register for CE?
- Can my staff earn CE?
- How is my participation verified so I that can earn Academy or state CE?
- How and when will I get my CE after the event?
- Is there a registration fee for NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars?
- How do I register for an NFDA Teleconference or Webinar?
- Is there a cut-off date to register?
- Do I need an email address to register?
- What happens when I have registered?
- What if I don't receive a confirmation after I have registered?
- What if I have not received my connection instructions?
- What if there's a registration problem with my payment?
- How do I participate in an NFDA Teleconference?
- What happens during an NFDA Teleconference?
- What is an NFDA Webinar?
- What happens during an NFDA Webinar?
- What are the minimum system requirements to participate in an NFDA Webinar?
- How do I test my computer system in advance to make sure a webinar works for me?
- Are handouts available before the event for registrants?
- Are NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars recorded?
- Can others join me during the event?
- If I live outside the US, can I participate in an NFDA Teleconference or Webinar?
- If I am not able to participate on the date of a live teleconference or Webinar, can I purchase a copy of the recorded event?
- If I have technical problems during a teleconference or Webinar, whom do I contact?
- What is the cancellation policy for NFDA teleconferences and Webinars?
- How can my organization sponsor an NFDA teleconference or Webinar?
- Are NFDA programs copyrighted?
- If I have a question, concern or comment, whom do I contact?
ANSWERS to Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is "distance learning"?
Taking advantage of technology allows you to learn "at a distance" - distance learning provides ways to enhance your knowledge and skills and to earn CE without leaving your office. Some types of distance learning are live events - such as NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars scheduled for specific dates and times - which also provide ways to join in conversation with other funeral directors and program presenters. Other distance learning options are accessible on demand, such as NFDA online, podcast, and home study courses. Whatever the format, distance learning brings the instructor and classroom to you, wherever you are.
2. Are NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars approved for CE?
Most state boards approve all NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars. All NFDA educational courses and events including teleconferences and Webinars are approved for continuing education by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP). State CE approval varies.
It is the individual participant's responsibility before registering for any NFDA course or event to verify that it is currently approved for CE in the state in which the individual is licensed.
3. How do I know if my state has approved an NFDA Teleconference or Webinar for CE?
Check the specific NFDA event that interests you for specific details about CE approval in your state. It is the individual participant's responsibility before registering for any NFDA course or event to verify that it is currently approved for CE in the state in which he or she is licensed.
Note: PA does not approve any distance learning courses including teleconferences and Webinars.
An NFDA Teleconference or Webinar first registration allows your firm to connect to the live event and also entitles the first registrant to CE eligibility for participation.
There is a processing fee per additional registrants who participate and need CE. This fee does not entitle additional registrants to a connection to the event. State CE approval varies.
It is the individual participant's responsibility before registering for any NFDA course or event to verify that it is currently approved for CE in the state in which the individual is licensed.
A few NFDA distance learning events each year are free informational offerings that do not confer CE; occasionally, a free CE event is offered although additional registrants are required to pay a fee for CE processing.
It's a great idea to include your staff! For additional participants other than the first registrant, there is a CE processing fee per individual. NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars are approved for up to 2 CE hours by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice (APFSP) and most state licensing boards. State approval varies.
A few NFDA distance learning events each year are free informational offerings that do not confer CE; occasionally, a free CE event is offered although additional registrants are required to pay a fee for CE processing.
6. How is my participation verified so I that can earn Academy or state CE?
To receive CE for an NFDA teleconference or Webinar, you must attest to your participation when the program is over by completing the NFDA CE Sign-in sheet specific to the event. The Sign-in sheet must be signed by your employer and submitted to NFDA by fax or mail. The form is included with the handout for each event as a downloadable document. NFDA processes CE participation as required by your state board/s, but cannot apply for CE for you without this signed document.
Participation is also verified by NFDA through review of teleconference and Webinar records from the broadcasting company. A first registration entitles the firm to one connection to the event.
It is the individual participant's responsibility before registering for any NFDA course or event to verify that it is currently approved for CE in the state in which the individual is licensed.
7. How and when will I get my CE after the event?
Within 10 business days following the event, your CE certificate will be sent to the email address submitted with your registration. When appropriate, your state licensing board will also receive CE verification from NFDA within that time. Contact NFDA at 1-800-288-6332 with any questions about the CE reporting process.
8. Is there a registration fee for NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars?
Yes, there is a fee for first registrants and a separate fee for additional registrants who want CE. Fees are listed with each event on this website. NFDA members are entitled to discounted registrations.
A few NFDA distance learning events each year are free informational offerings that do not confer CE; occasionally, a free CE event is offered although additional registrants are required to pay a fee for CE processing.
9. How do I register for an NFDA Teleconference or Webinar?
You have 3 easy options!
- Go to Teleconferences & Webinars, select an event and register online (you will need to submit credit card information).
- Register by downloading the registration form and submitting it by fax to NFDA.
- Call 800-228-6332 (262-789-1880).
No matter how you register (as a first or additional registrant), you must include your email address to enable NFDA to process CE for all verified participants. Instructions and CE certificates are sent via email for teleconferences and Webinars.
NFDA members are entitled to discounted registrations. If you're not a member - call an NFDA member services representative at 1-800-228-6332 to join today!
It is the individual participant's responsibility before registering for any NFDA course or event to verify that it is currently approved for CE in the state in which the individual is licensed.
10. Is there a cut-off date or time to register?
You can register at any time including the day of the event. However - we encourage early registration to ensure that you receive instructions and handout materials prior to the start time of the event. If you cannot register until the last hour or so on the day of the event, we will make every effort to get instructions to you right away! However, we cannot guarantee that you will receive instructions to connect on time due to circumstances that may be beyond our control.
11. Do I need an email address to register?
Yes - a personal email address (not the firm's general email address) is required so that NFDA can: (1) send the instructions for participating to you, including the handout link; (2) send CE verification to you for your records if you have registered for CE.
If you don't have a personal email address, there are a number of free email service providers such as Hotmail (www.hotmail.com), Gmail (www.gmail.com) or Yahoo! (www.yahoomail.com). Simply create a new account to send and receive email via the Internet.
12. What happens when I have registered?
- You will receive a confirmation email from NFDA at the time of registration that confirms receipt of your registration and payment (or registration only in the event of a free seminar).
- You will receive emailed instructions in advance of the event. Your instructions will include dial-in details (teleconference) or a "join meeting" link (Webinar), as well as links to a downloadable handout that includes event materials, CE Sign-in Sheet and instructions, and evaluation information.
13. What if I don't receive a confirmation from NFDA after I have registered?
If you don't receive confirmation after registering, first double check that you have submitted the correct email address with your registration. Please contact nfda@nfda.org or call 1-800-228-6332 with questions.
14. What if I have not received my instructions to connect to the event?
If you haven't received your instructions 24 hours before the event begins, first double check that you have submitted the correct email address with your registration. Please contact nfda@nfda.org or call 1-800-228-6332 with questions.
15. What if there's a registration problem with my payment?
Please call NFDA at 1-800-228-6332 for assistance.
16. How do I participate in an NFDA Teleconference?
All you need is a telephone - although a speakerphone is recommended for the best sound quality and so that other staff may participate.
NFDA Teleconferences are led by the experts you want to hear from in funeral service, and provide the opportunity for you to ask questions during the event. A few teleconferences each year may be free informational offerings that do not confer CE. Teleconferences are usually scheduled 1-2 p.m. CST or 1-3 p.m. CST.
- A First Registration entitles your firm to a single phone connection and CE for the registrant only for CE events. You must have an email address to register (contact NFDA at 1-800-228-6332 if you have a question). There is a separate fee for each additional participant requesting CE.
- Instructions are made available via email after your registration is processed. Save the email and follow the instructions the day of the event.
Instructions include:
- your dial-in number and passcode
- one master event handout for you to download and print
- attendance verification form (CE Sign-in Sheet)
- evaluation
The first registrant has permission to make handout copies for the number of additional participants participating in one room.
3. On the day of the event simply follow dial in instructions to join the speaker and your colleagues.
It is the individual participant's responsibility before registering for any NFDA course or event to verify that it is currently approved for CE in the state in which the individual is licensed.
17. What happens during an NFDA Teleconference?
Once you have called in and entered your passcode in response to the operator's cues, you will be welcomed into the teleconference to listen to the presentation via your phone. Audience lines are muted during the presentation. For most live teleconferences, when the speaker invites audience questions, lines will be opened and you will be given simple instructions to participate. Some non-CE teleconferences are for informational purposes only.
NFDA uses Microsoft® Office Live Meeting to deliver Webinars, which are live educational sessions that occur online, led by the funeral service experts you want to hear. Participants, at their computers, can see a PowerPoint presentation and participate in polls and ask questions. You can listen to the presenter over your computer’s Internet audio connection (VoIP) or a telephone (if your computer speakers do not deliver the sound quality you want). Live Meeting is accessible to Mac users as well, but the audio portion must then be via dial-in.
Webinars are usually scheduled 1-2 p.m. CST or 1-3 p.m. CST (check your local time).
- A First Registration entitles your firm to a single connection and CE for the first registrant only. You must have an email address to register. There is a separate fee for each additional participant requesting CE.
- How to log on to the Webinar is explained in emailed instructions sent after you have registered. Save the email and follow the instructions on the day of the event. Print out a copy of the email for reference as well.
Instructions include links to:
- check your computer’s compatibility with Live Meeting (if you haven’t already done so)
- download one PDF master handout for printing
- join the meeting
- the attendance verification form (CE Sign-in Sheet)
- an online evaluation.
The first registrant has permission to make handout copies for the number of additional participants participating in one room.
3. Click here to check your system to make sure it is ready to use Microsoft Office Live Meeting. You will
have the option to download and install Live Meeting Client if it is not already on your computer OR to use
web-based Live Meeting.
4. On the day of the event, simply follow emailed instructions to log on via your computer. Telephone
conference instructions (if needed) are also included.
It is the individual participant’s responsibility before registering for any NFDA course or event to verify that it is currently approved for CE in the state in which the individual is licensed.
Additional registrants for events cannot connect to the Webinar individually; only one connection is allowed per paid first registration (usually, per firm). Call 1-800-228-6332 with any questions.
19. What happens during an NFDA Webinar?
Once you have joined the Webinar online, you participate via the Internet. Participant sound lines are muted during the presentation. At some point during the seminar, you will be asked to participate in an online poll or to submit questions or comments. Your computer is your live connection to respond to polling questions (a simple mouse click to indicate your choice of response) and to submit questions and comments online (just key them in).
20. What are the minimum system requirements to participate in an NFDA Webinar using Microsoft Office Live Meeting?
NFDA uses Microsoft® Office Live Meeting to deliver Webinars, which are live educational sessions that occur online, led by the funeral service experts you want to hear. Participants, at their computers, can see a PowerPoint presentation and participate in polls and ask questions. You can listen to the presenter over your computer’s Internet audio connection (VoIP) or a telephone (if your computer speakers do not deliver the sound quality you want). Live Meeting is accessible to Mac users as well, but the audio portion must then be via dial-in.
You must have an email address to participate. Click here to check your system to make sure it is ready to use Microsoft Office Live Meeting. You will have the option to download and install Live Meeting Client if it is not already on your computer OR to use web-based Live Meeting.
Live Meeting Client (Windows-based Client) — The Windows-based meeting client is a full-featured Windows program that is installed and run from the end user's computer. Live Meeting users with Windows-based computers should use the Windows-based meeting client because it offers features that are not available with Live Meeting Web Access.
Live Meeting Web Access (Web Client) — Live Meeting Web Access (MWA) is a Java™-based alternative for users of the Live Meeting service who cannot install or run the Windows-based meeting client, usually because their computer runs an operating system that is not compatible with the Windows-based meeting client, such as Linux or Apple Macintosh, or their PC is locked down and does not allow installation of new software. Web-based Live Meeting does not require installation of any files. However, initiating application sharing on Apple Macintosh using Live Meeting Web Access does require installation of an application-sharing component.
The following features are not available to Live Meeting Web Clients: computer audio, webcam video, sharing applications.21. How do I test my computer system in advance to make sure a Webinar works for me?
- Click here to check your system to make sure it is ready to use Microsoft Office Live Meeting. You will have the option to download and install Live Meeting Client if it is not already on your computer OR to use web-based Live Meeting.
- You will have the option to download and install Live Meeting Client if it is not already on your computer OR to use web-based Live Meeting.
22. Are handouts available before the event for registrants?
After you register and in advance of the event, you will receive emailed instructions that include a link to the handout. Every seminar is a little different, but in most cases the handout is a PDF that includes program materials and a CE Sign-in Sheet with instructions. Evaluations are usually online. You are encouraged to print and distribute the handout to all participants before the event. Handouts can be downloaded from the Webinar presentation as well, if needed.
23. Are NFDA Teleconferences and Webinars recorded?
Selected teleconference and Webinars are recorded. Recordings may or may not be subsequently available for CE. Contact NFDA for information about specific events.
24. Can others join me during the event?
Absolutely! For teleconferences, use your speakerphone – then include as many others in its range as you would like to have listen to the live event.For Webinars, you can log on from a room with projection equipment to bring a Webinar to a group OR allow others to view the presentation on your computer screen.
Joining the event as a listener or viewer is free to additional staff thatdo not require CE: there is a separate fee for each individual participant requesting CE.
25. If I live outside the U.S., can I participate in an NFDA Teleconference or Webinar?
Teleconferences: You are able to participate if you have an email address and telephone. Your emailed instructions will include an international dial-in number. Contact your local telephone provider for details. Continuing education (CE) is for U.S. residents only at this time.
Webinars: You are able to participate if you have an email address and your computer is compatible with Microsoft Office Live Meeting. Click here to check your system to make sure it is ready to use Live Meeting. You will have the option to download and install Live Meeting Client if it is not already on your computer OR to use web-based Live Meeting.
For questions, call NFDA at 262-789-1880.
26. If I am not able to participate on the date of a live teleconference or Webinar, can I purchase a copy of the recorded event?
You may be able to purchase a recording; however, not every teleconference and Webinar is recorded. If you are an NFDA member who is not able to attend during the scheduled time, please contact us at 1-800-228-6332 for information.
27. If I have technical problems during a teleconference or Webinar, whom do I call?
Instructions for the event, emailed after you have registered, will include technical assistance information.
28. What is the cancellation policy for NFDA teleconferences and Webinars?
Cancellation fees may apply. All cancellations must be in writing and faxed to NFDA in advance at 1-262-789-6977. See specific registration forms for details. No-shows will not be refunded for any reason including non-participation due to conflicts that arise with a registrant's schedule, failure to test the computer connection prior to the seminar as instructed or other technical difficulties that are not in the control of NFDA or the company broadcasting the program.
NFDA reserves the right to cancel or postpone a program due to circumstances beyond its control. Should circumstances arise that result in the cancellation or postponement of a program, registrants will have the option to either receive a full registration refund or transfer registration to the same program at a later date or another program within the same calendar year. NFDA's liability for any cancellation is limited to a refund of the registration fee and does not extend to any other claims including, but not limited to, travel expenses, cancellation fees, lost wages, inconvenience, and other related costs.
29. How can my organization sponsor an NFDA teleconference or Webinar?
If your organization is interested in sponsoring an NFDA live distance learning event (more than 20 are offered each year), please call 1-800-228-6332 for details and an explanation of sponsorship benefits to your firm.
30. Are NFDA programs copyrighted?
Content and materials included in each NFDA Teleconference and Webinar are the property of NFDA and protected by United States and international copyright laws. All rights are reserved. Reproduction, redistribution, republication, rebroadcast or other use is not allowed without express written permission from NFDA; however, NFDA reserves the right to refuse to allow any of the foregoing. No electronic reprints are to be generated.
31. If I have a question or comment, whom do I contact?
NFDA encourages your questions and comments! Please contact us at 1-800-228-6332 or nfda@nfda.org.
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