PPD Online Courses 2014-15

At work and at home, it’s all too easy to speak and act without thinking – and then regret it afterwards. Acting on instinct can lead us to behave aggressively or passively. Both of these are generally unhelpful for our own reputation and for our relationships with others.

Communicating Assertively will show you how to avoid both extremes and instead to use assertive behaviour to build constructive and respectful working relationships.

This online module will help you understand the assertive mindset and highlight what assertiveness looks and sounds like.

View a short trailer for the online module.

For additional guidance to help you gain the most from this online module you can download our Guide to successful online learning.

If you would prefer to complete the blended programme, which provides an opportunity to put your assertive skills into practice in a face to face workshop, as well as completing the online module, please visit the booking page for the blended programme.

"It all boils down to communication", how many times have we heard that phrase? This interactive online module is packed full of useful tips and practical examples to help you get your point across more clearly, ask the right questions and listen better to what others have to say.

The module introduces you to the key concepts of communication skills through a variety of media, offering those new to this topic a solid grounding in the essentials, as well as a great refresher for more experienced communicators.

If you’re short of time and just need the basics, or you want to explore things in a bit more detail, the versatile structure of this module offers you the flexibility to learn in the way that best fits with your schedule.

View a short trailer for the module.

This course is designed for researchers and will support you in taking care of your research data. It is crucial for any researchers who may find themselves in possession of either personal data, or sensitive personal data, as defined by the Data Protection Act. If you don't know what the Act means by personal data, this is your chance to find out. This course will take about 30 minutes to work through. If it prevents you or a colleague losing research data or becoming a victim of identity theft, that time will be more than worth it.

A Raven password is needed to access this online course. If you don't already have one, visit http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/docs/faq/n5.html

This course is crucial for any administrators who may find themselves in possession of either personal data, or sensitive personal data, as defined by the Data Protection Act. If you don't know what the Act means by personal data, this is your chance to find out. The course will take about 30 minutes to work through. If it prevents you or a colleague losing data or becoming a victim of identity theft, that time will be more than worth it.

A Raven password is needed to access this online course. If you don't already have one, visit http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/docs/faq/n5.html

The Staff Review and Development (SRD) process provides the opportunity for supervisors, managers and academics to engage in constructive discussion with their staff or academic colleagues about current and future work and their personal and career development.

This online module, including visual, audio and filmed material, will focus on an overview of the process, practical advice and useful reminders of good practice to help you to make the most of SRD. You will need a PC, Mac or tablet device.

Please make a booking to receive instructions about how to access the online module. For additional guidance you can visit our Guide to successful online learning.

You may also wish to book a place on the following:

Practical for Reviewers -an opportunity to discuss SRD with other reviewers, and to practise and receive supportive feedback in a short practical activity. You must complete the online module before attending the Practical for Reviewers.

View a short trailer for the online module.

This short online guide for all staff provides hints, tricks and tips to help you manage your Inbox.

This online course welcomes new staff to the University and provides key information to help them settle into their new role quickly and achieve their full potential within their role as soon as possible. It will give new staff an overview of the University, including what to expect from induction and essential information along with some background on the history and traditions.

This online course complements the local induction new staff will receive in their institution, department or faculty.

A Raven password is needed to access this online course. If you don't already have one, visit http://www.cam.ac.uk/cs/docs/faq/n5.html

Do you dread speaking in public or giving presentations? Or are you looking to build on your current skills and experience to make your planning and delivery more effective? This module aims to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence in both formal and informal presentation situations e.g. meetings, training sessions and conferences.

This online module provides an opportunity to explore key areas in both preparation and delivery of presentations.

For additional guidance to help you gain the most from this online module you can download our Guide to successful online learning.

If you would prefer to complete the blended programme, which provides an opportunity to put your presentation skills in to practice in a face to face workshop, as well as completing the online module, please visit the booking page for the blended programme.

Managing and leading projects is a key skill, and yet it is often poorly understood and actioned; leading to projects that overrun, overspend or overwork the delivery teams.

This online module will provide you with a complete toolkit of project management skills (distilled from a number of sound project management “methodologies”) and an overview of various project planning techniques. Project Management: Online has been developed to help you focus on a project you are actively involved in (or one that is about to commence). You will apply a number of tools to real life situations and leave with a clear understanding of the major management issues and the basis of a clear and workable project plan.

For additional guidance to help you gain the most from this online module you can download our Guide to successful online learning.

If you would prefer to complete the blended programme, which provides an opportunity to identify options and strategies to help move your project forward in a face to face workshop, as well as completing the online module, please visit the booking page for the blended programme.

It is anticipated that it will take around 45 minutes to go through the online materials plus additional time to complete the exercises.