Trainer Guide

Using DaDesktop Virtual Desktops for easy course training

DaDesktop Virtual Desktops make it easy to create online courses anywhere across the globe.

Please note: DaDesktop (DD) now supports one or more trainers for its courses.

The trainers each have their own DaDesktop login and can control the ‘Trainer Desktop’ as if it were their own.

The idea is that both trainers join the audio conference, taking turns as needed, and can take control of the Trainer Desktop when required. This is especially handy for longer courses, or ones that benefit from having two subject-matter experts engaging with participants.

Before creating a new course

• The Trainer(s) should contact the course organiser to provide the following information:

1. Course details (title, schedule, number of participants)
2. Location for Trainer(s) and Delegates (so the best datacentre in Australia can be advised)
3. Trainer's email address(es)

• Recommended browsers for training

1. Chrome
2. Firefox
3. Microsoft Edge

• Network

1. DaDesktop users need a reliable internet connection
2. Using cafe Wi-Fi isn’t recommended, as it’s often unstable
3. Before training, please note again: DaDesktop is a web-based training portal
4. Internet speed should be faster than: "10 Mbps download & 1 Mbps upload"
5. A dual-monitor setup and a camera are preferred if possible
    

First step: How to set up your course                                                                                

1. Course coordinators will assist in setting up your course
2. Add the Trainer(s) by sending the registration invitation link
3. The Trainer receives an email with the course details and login link
4. The Trainer(s) can log in with their account at https://dd4t.dadesktop.com
5. Next, send course invitations to participants (the pink one)
6. Note: If more than one Trainer is involved, only one Trainer machine is used at a time
    

Second step: Prepare your "DaDesktop" in the course                                                    

1. Click "Create from OS template" for the Fresh Start desktop. The Fresh Start is the machine where the Trainer develops course content; once ready, they clone it to their Trainer Desktop and to the Participants desktops. If you already have a 'Standalone' machine with your course, click the dropdown arrow and select it from there.
2. Choose the OS template, pick the nearest datacentre, and the configuration you need for the course. Click 'Create Desktop'.
3. Connect to the desktop and prepare your course inside the DaDesktop VM.

• If your course needs multiple machines, install Virt Manager (preferred on Linux) or VirtualBox within DaDesktop to set up several desktops at once. This whole configuration will then be cloned to each participant and to your Trainer machine.
• We recommend converting documents to PDF if you're using Windows 10 Pro, as MS Office isn't included in DaDesktop.
• Download and set things up just as you would on your own desktop.
• Please use only the automatically assigned DHCP IP addresses for Fresh-Start machines. DO NOT use Static IP addresses or change MAC addresses or DNS settings on your FreshStart machines, as this will cause issues when cloning to Course Desktop VMs. Also, please do not change the Computer name, as this can cause problems within DaDesktop.
  
  Please get in touch with Tech Support if you need any help with the above.
   

Third step: Clone the desktop to all participants

1. Complete the preparation of the "Fresh Start desktop", exit and stop the desktop.
2. Click "Create from Fresh Start desktop" in the Trainer section to clone a desktop identical to the Fresh Start machine.
3. If delegates are in other regions, use the dropdown on "Create from Fresh-Start Trainer desktop" to clone to their region.
4. Other options are also available from the dropdown, including Clone from Standalone and Create from OS Template.
    

Final step: Join the Training Room

1. Trainers and participants should click Training Room and join the session together.
2. Upon entering the Training Room, the system automatically clones the FreshStart desktop for all participants.
3. Audio and video recordings can be automatically captured within the Training Room.
4. Each delegate sees two desktops — their own and the Trainer’s — so there’s no need for screen sharing.
5. In the Training Room, the Trainer can view all participants’ machines alongside their own, and can take control of any individual machine to help a participant if needed. Each participant only sees their own machine and the Trainer’s Desktop.