Vocalmeet Is Revolutionizing the Way Member-Based Organizations Deliver Education Online

Many organizations and associations complain that their Learning Management System (LMS) is not user friendly, lacks the ability to engage members, and is outdated, with limited opportunities to monetize online education content.

If it’s time to look for a new LMS that is capable of delivering your association or organization members a better user experience, one that uses state-of-the-art technology and offers unparalleled customer service and project management, Vocalmeet may very well be the solution you’ve been looking for. And, in this era of change, the focus on monetizing your continuing education programs offer countless opportunities for non-dues revenue and membership growth.

Vocalmeet makes it simple and easy for members and non-members to find, purchase, and complete continuing education courses through their innovative design and simple layout, and they also provide guidance and technical support for those who may need assistance.

With Vocalmeet’s customizable e-commerce options, members can expect an easy Amazon-like experience when purchasing their continuing education courses.

Many attorneys, for example, rush to complete their Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements during the last three calendar months of the year, before their year-end deadline, and where an outdated LMS will struggle to handle the rush of users on the platform. Vocalmeet is perfectly capable of dealing with a large and rapid influx of system users.

The Birmingham Bar Association uses Vocalmeet’s LMS for their Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs. The team at Vocalmeet takes care of all aspects of implementation, platform set-up, course development and technical support to the association’s members and non-members.

When asked to describe her experience with Vocalmeet, Jennifer Buettner, Executive Director at The Birmingham Bar Association states, “The onboarding process was incredibly easy and the Vocalmeet staff has been extremely pleasant to work with. I went through the entire process myself to complete a CLE course, and I continue to be pleased with my decision to sign on with Vocalmeet.”

Like The Birmingham Bar Association, any association that chooses Vocalmeet is able to focus their full attention on the core business initiatives of delivering quality and value to its members by relying on and trusting in Vocalmeet’s easy-to-use, online learning platform.

Vocalmeet makes the development of fresh, state-of-the-art continuing education platforms easy and simple for associations, and their free marketing services allow an association to quickly realize a return on their initial investment. The team at Vocalmeet believes that automation is vital to the success of continuing education programs as it leads to higher revenue and better member engagement.

An easy-to-use online education platform is also essential when it comes to increasing the sales for online courses, as members are far more likely to flock to a user-friendly solution like Vocalmeet, than one that takes time and resources to understand.

Visit Vocalmeet online today to learn more about their online learning solutions and the benefits of their new technology.

Meet Vocalmeet: Empowering Associations Through Access to Online Education

For Dr. Laurelle Jno Baptiste, Vice President of Professional Services at Vocalmeet, an award-winning innovator, technologist and educator, access to quality education has been a life-long passion.

Her passion for education grew into a hunger to succeed, which has propelled her into a career helping associations, learning institutions, and organizations across North America drive technology innovation through the development of online learning platforms.

Having led the implementation of hundreds of online learning platforms over the past 12 years, Dr. Jno Baptiste knows a thing or two about the changing landscape of this digital age. For example, this era of change, what has been termed “The Great Resignation” hasn’t caught everyone off guard, and has been a long time coming, according to Anthony Koltz, associate professor of management at Texas A&M University, who recently coined the term.

Dr. Jno Baptiste believes that the global health crisis has only exasperated a problem that was already underway. However, this mass exodus from the workforce opens up opportunities for associations and member-based organizations to excel and provide opportunities for solutions.

She believes that associations are uniquely positioned to offer members a much-needed sense of community and upskill opportunities that are needed during an era of change.

Offering opportunities for people to access their online learning platforms from anywhere, and at any time, in addition to providing purposeful education, arms individuals with the tools they need to transition from one position or career to the next.

Being at the forefront of the digital revolution of online learning and being able to help associations navigate this digital age is among the proudest of accomplishments for Dr. Jno Baptiste. And, she believes that as technologies continue to advance, the opportunities to enhance the online learning experience continues to grow, giving associations and organizations an opportunity to thrive and succeed as well, by offering members even more state-of-the-art learning technologies through Vocalmeet.

“Access to education changed my life, so I’m passionate about connecting knowledge, technology and people by transforming the way organizations deliver education online,” says Dr. Jno Baptiste.

There are several lessons to be learned from the rapid transition to remote working, learning and from the massive changes in the workforce. One of those lessons is that creating a positive and productive work culture is more important than ever. Using an online platform to give association members an opportunity to share their thoughts, while feeling part of a community, is essential to a healthy work culture.

Another method of empowering association members is through a focus on education and personal growth. Professional work development is an important part of helping association members grow, and advance their professional lives. However, non-work related, personal development is a big factor as to why people seek other opportunities.

Empowering them to work on their personal wellness is more important than ever.

“The ‘great resignation’ does not have to mean doom and gloom for organizations and associations, because it actually opens up new opportunities to improve,” says Dr. Jno Baptiste.

Thanks to online technology, bringing on new members is not limited by geographic location, so the membership pool is diverse and vast.

An opportunity exists to use technology to make new members feel comfortable, and a part of the community.

To have access to the expertise, experience, and passion of purpose-driven technologist, like those at Vocalmeet, the great resignation will prove to be the catalyst for positive and productive change.

“I am honored and excited to be a part of this transitional time in online learning and engagement, and I feel empowered by providing the advanced technology and professionalism that Vocalmeet has to offer,” adds Dr. Jno Baptiste.

For more than twelve years, the leadership team at Vocalmeet has worked closely with professional associations across North America, to enhance their member benefits by providing online, continuing professional education platforms. Vocalmeet has earned its stellar reputation from a steadfast commitment to client success, and by providing exceptional project management and customer service at every level because they understand the unique needs of associations and organizations and what it takes to succeed.

For more information and to join the online learning movement, visit Vocalmeet online today.  

Meet The Lightboard: The new game-changer for remote everything

Students and professionals alike are all sharing one thing in common as we continue to combat COVID-19: learning and working remotely. It’s the new norm and will be the way of the future.

This past March, the global pandemic forced schools, colleges and universities, governments, and businesses to close their doors, leaving teachers, families and business owners to adapt to remote instruction and remote communication.

Yes, it’s all been a real challenge, especially as we are entering the second wave with a dramatic increase in COVID-19 numbers, but the true innovators of today are helping to light the path forward, with solutions to meet these global challenges.

A case in point is the launch of The Lightboard Depot – new and innovative technology that is revolutionizing the way we present and generate online content.

The Lightboard revolutionizes remote learning

“The Lightboard is a piece of glass positioned between the camera and the presenter and it allows you to draw in much the same way you would on a blackboard or a whiteboard,” explains Mike Justason during a live demo of the product.

Justason, who is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University, is the brainchild behind bringing this new and innovative technology from the studio into the homes of educators. Five years ago, he was introduced to the concept of a lightboard studio at McMaster, and he became fascinated with its benefits for online learners. With this, he began creating several iterations of home-lightboards and also studied what was available on the market. Fast forward to 2020, and with the global pandemic changing the world, he dusted off his gear to teach online. The rest is history and The Lightboard was born.

What’s interesting is that he is giving his Zoom presentation to the media from his son’s bedroom and you wouldn’t even know it: a dark background and The Lightboard – that’s all you see and in seconds you are immersed into his remote class that he broadcasts through a webcam on a tripod. And thanks to Free Open Source Software that is easy to use and readily accessible, his drawings and words are flipped so the audience can see them front on.

“If I have any kind of course content that really necessitates drawing, that’s no problem. The Lightboard will allow you to draw and effectively deliver the right content to your audience. More importantly, our new technology allows you to maintain eye contact. You can continuously face an audience and it helps to maintain that relationship between the student and the instructor which can be very challenging in online teaching,” he adds.

But wait, this new technology gets better.

The Lightboard also allows instructors to integrate other familiar methods for learning, like PowerPoint, videos, and so much more!

“Over the years, I’ve built up a whole bunch of PowerPoint slides and I can still use those with this new technology,” he says during his Zoom presentation to the media.

As the PowerPoint slides load up on the glass, Justason begins to underline and circle words to better interact with the audience.

“The students really love this,” he says, “because they are engaged, and they are learning. The technology is also perfect for spreadsheets, word documents, PDFs, and videos – just click a button and the content appears together with the presenter in an interactive space.”

The technology is also completely compatible with all online teaching platforms, like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Because online doesn’t have to suck

We all know that remote learning and meetings have been amped up in a big way since the pandemic took its grip on the world, however, students and business audiences are becoming more critical to non-engaging presentations with a mere voice and PowerPoint slides.

Students are spending thousands-and-thousands of dollars on their college and university education, entrepreneurs are spending loads of money on courses, training, and certifications, and parents are now required to help their kids learn, which means that boring presentations are not making the grade.

But The Lightboard is and it is technology that will definitely be a hit on the market.

“Online doesn’t have to suck,” laughs Justason. “I started using a studio lightboard back in 2016. COVID-19 gave me the kick-in-the-butt I needed to get a quality home-version up and running, and we launched in May of 2020 in order to help professors, lecturers, teachers, and business leaders teach more effectively – a direct benefit for students and audiences alike. Those who are using our technology are raving about it too. Everyone loves it as a remote learning tool as it makes everyone feel connected, regardless of their geographic location.”

Calgary’s Favourite Neighbourhood Plumber launches new website and brand!

 

Heritage West Plumbing & Heating is here to serve homeowners and commercial clients

Heritage West Plumbing & Heating has a strong presence in Calgary and the surrounding area, and now the company has amped things up a few notches with the launch of their new website and brand.

The company’s website is innovative in design, user-friendly and has all sorts of calls to action: Request a Free Quote, Contact Us 24/7, and Emergency Call Service.

The site is loaded with all the right information homeowners and businesses need for their plumbing and heating requirements, and Heritage West Plumbing & Heating highlights how committed they are to safety for their clients. The well-known business always wears masks, medical gloves and they always use disinfectant spay at all sites – residential and commercial.

Clients have always been a top priority for Heritage West Plumbing & Heating, and if you live in town, then you will enjoy working with their team.

Here are the benefits when hiring Heritage West Plumbing & Heating:

 

·        They are available 24/7, with free consultations

·        They are licensed, bonded, and fully insured

·        They provide upfront and fair pricing before the service starts

·        They are clean, tidy, and very courteous

·        They follow all health and safety guidelines to ensure the safety of your family, or business

·        They offer guaranteed parts and labour

·        They will beat any quote on the market

Calgary Plumbers: Here are the services Heritage West Plumbing & Heating offers clients

If you own a business, or a home, then Heritage West Plumbing & Heating will take care of your needs.

Here is a full list of their services that are highlighted on their website:

·        Heating

·        Installing pipes

·        Plumbing repairs

·        Leaking pipes

·        Maintenance

·        Sewer system backups

·        And more!

Meet Calgary’s FavouriteNeighbourhood Plumber: Symon Neigel

Symon is well-known for being friendly and efficient and this is why his company is a household name in Calgary.

The young business owner is a Red-Seal Plumber and Gasfitter, and he is also a Cross Connection Control Specialist.

His company is getting rave reviews on social media and on Google Reviews, and their new logos is turning heads online, and on the roads and highways in and around Calgary!

Heritage West is a certified company and top-rated by all its clients in the city. Reliable, clean, friendly, and quality plumbing – this is why customers rave about this business that is dominating the industry locally.

Contact Heritage West Plumbing & Heating Today

Don’t delay what you need fixed – get it done now to save time and money down the road. Keep in mind, if you put off fixing your plumbing or heating needs now, it could cost you greatly in the future. Do you want frozen pipes in the winter? Do you want your heat shutting down when it hits -48 °C? How about your AC clunking out when its 30-plus? Not!

So, call them today and get your drains, pipes, and heating ready for the winter.

You can call Symon directly at 403.993.0639 – he will be thrilled you called.

For more information, visit the company one today and learn more about their professionalism and services: www.heritagewestplumbing.com

Lorraine Simpson takes her first RV road trip

Cityline TV Travel Expert and World Renowned Travel Guru Lorraine Simpson knows that when you can’t fly on commercial airliners, then you get an RV and hit the road in style.

This “Travel Queen” is used to a luxury lifestyle and that goes especially for travel, so renting an RV in her home province of Ontario was never on the radar until COVID-19.

Thanks to RV Vacations – Outdoor Travel: Where RV Means Real Value in Hamilton, she found the perfect set of wheels and what a blast she had exploring some cool places along the way.

Hats off to another one of our very attentive Everyday Superheroes™, Nour Nataki

Our guard, Nour Nataki, was recently working at a busy downtown commercial account, when he was alerted to an incident occurring in the food court area. He sprang into action and encountered a frantic mother, who was clutching her child in her arms, and screaming and pointing to the escalators.

Nour, who works with Regal Security Inc. in Toronto, quickly managed to ascertain a person located on the escalator – a male subject, allegedly attempted to abduct her child in a nearby washroom area.

Nour engaged with the suspect after catching up to him on the down escalator, and at the same time a group of gentlemen were also in pursuit of the suspect.

The suspect was then apprehended by the two gentlemen, and as Nour arrived at the bottom of the escalator he then realized that the suspect was in danger from the others gathering around him. With this, Nour took charge of the situation and advised the suspect that he was to follow him, but when the suspect refused Nour engaged the suspect physically, taking control of the suspect and removing him out of harms way.

Shortly after that interaction, Toronto Police Services were contacted and immediately attended the scene. After a brief investigation, the suspect was taken into custody for allegedly attempting to abduct a child.

Traveling during a pandemic and what you need to know, according to Lorraine Simpson

As countries slowly start to open-up their doors tentatively to tourists, here is what you need to know to get ready for the green light from Canada.

Our one-on-one interview with Lorraine Simpson, Cityline TV Travel Expert and Travel Guru, gives you the scoop on traveling during a pandemic.

Q&A with Lorraine Simpson

Q. Is travel from Canada Banned?

LS. No. There is currently an advisory for all Canadian residents advising against all non-essential travel, however this is an advisory, not a ban, and therefore travel is not illegal and is soon to be changed, according to those in the know.

Q. As a Canadian where can I travel right now?

LS. There are several flights from Air Canada operating from Canada; however, you must be aware of restrictions upon arriving into a country and returning back to Canada. In my next article I will tell you more about where you can go to and how to get there. Follow me on Instagram @lorrainesimpsontravels

Q. Will I be able to get travel insurance if there is a travel advisory in place?

LS. No. Most insurance companies will not insure you if there is a travel advisory. To be safe, you should wait till the advisory is lifted.

Q. When do you see the advisory being lifted?

LS. I do not have a crystal ball, but there are rumours that the advisory will be lifted by the end of the month. Many more flights are being added from July 1st from Canada, which does indicate they know more than we do. Also, tourism councils have been in talks with the government and according to the Daily Mail from London British travelers can come to Canada without quarantine from June 30th. We can not confirm this accurately, so it is based on their say at the moment, however if you follow other countries and their timelines this does seem to tally up.

Q. How safe are the planes?

LS. Airlines are increasing their hygiene protocols to ensure onboard transmissions remain low. Some airlines are using UVC lights to clean surfaces. As an added precaution, you will want to bring your own supply of disinfecting wipes to wipe down tray tables, seat arms, windows, and walls. Physical distancing is tough in a confined space like an airplane. Most airlines have made the middle seat unavailable to help maintain social distancing. The CDC reports most viruses are not easily spread on flights because of how airplanes circulate and filter the air. Air is circulated up to 6 times per hour and processed through HEPA filters which remove 99.97 percent of particles passing through them.

Q. Will I be tested on arrival or do I have to be tested before I travel?

LS. Some airlines, like Emirates, are testing all passengers with a fast track test before travel and some airports are testing on arrival. If you are tested on arrival, like in Vienna for example, you will not have the results right away but you will need to provide an address where you will be staying and would be informed if you had the virus. All countries are different, and you must research for the latest up-to-date information on where you are traveling to and their rules… they change often so be aware.

Q. Will the lines be longer at airports?

LS. At the moment security may be slower, but lines not as long as fewer people will be traveling. Many documents are going paperless, so if you can have everything ready to go it will be much faster. Make sure you keep a handy hand sanitizer ready, and also have a spare mask too as these will become the norm everywhere.

Q. Will I have to wear a mask?

LS. Yes. Most planes, airports and public transport will demand you wear a mask all the time. They can be any kind of face covering and do not have to be medical grade; however, I suggest taking a few so you have one spare in your purse and your luggage.

Q. Will there be other travel restrictions?

LS. Yes. Each airline and airport are coming up with different rules and protocols. I also plan to travel soon and document the entire experience. I will report back to you so that you know everything in this new era of travel.

Remember this: All these measures are to protect you and your fellow passengers. It is not the fault of anyone implementing the measures and if you are running late for your plane because you did not allow extra time for the new measures, then you are the only one to blame.

Remain calm: Remain Kind and Considerate and we will also be able to start to travel safely once again.

Lorraine Soon: Coming Soon – Food and onboard service

Coming soon with Simpson are questions about food and onboard service, where you can travel in Canada, and what the new kind of travel looks and feels like.

Lorraine Simpson, Two Time Magellan Award Winning Travel entrepreneur and now Cityline TV Travel Expert, started out as many Travel Advisors did, with a home based franchise, a computer, and very limited resources. Within five years she was selling over $4-million a year and was collecting multiple awards on a regular basis. Now a regular on National and Regional TV, Lorraine is the most visually recognized Canadian Travel Professional in the Media today. She shares her travel tips with Cityline TV Viewers on a regular basis about locations, travel types, cruises, all inclusive trip, and weddings.

Visit Lorraine Simpson’s website today and discover how she can help “fuel” your travel plans.