Trainer's Guide

How to Use DaDesktop Virtual Desktops for Smooth Course Training

DaDesktop Virtual Desktops offer a straightforward method to set up online courses anywhere in Poland.

Note: DaDesktop (DD) now supports having one or more trainers for each course.

Each trainer is given their own login and can operate the Trainer Desktop just like a personal machine.

The concept is that trainers share the audio conference, alternating as needed, while both can seize control of the Trainer Desktop whenever necessary. This proves particularly helpful for extended sessions or courses where two field experts can contribute their insights to participants.

Before creating a new course

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

1. Course details (title, schedule, and number of participants)
2. Trainer and delegate location (to advise the best datacentre)
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 WiFi in coffee shops is discouraged due to instability.
3. Remember, DaDesktop is a web-based training portal.
4. A connection speed faster than: "10 Mbps download & 1 Mbps upload" is recommended.
5. A dual monitor setup and camera are ideal if possible.
    

First step: How to set up your course                                                                                

1. Course coordinators will assist you in setting up the course.
2. Add trainer(s) by sending them the registration invitation link.
3. Each trainer gets an email containing course details and a login link.
4. Trainers can log in through https://dd4t.dadesktop.com .
5. Then, send out the participant invitations (the pink ones).
6. Note: When multiple trainers are involved, only one trainer machine is used at a time.
    

Second step: Prepare your "DaDesktop" in the course                                                    

1. Select "Create from OS template" for the Fresh Start desktop. This Fresh Start machine is where the trainer builds the course material; once finished, it gets cloned to their Trainer desktop and to all Participants desktops. If you already have a Standalone machine with your course content, use the dropdown arrow to pick the Standalone option instead.
2. Pick the OS template, choose the datacentre closest to you, and set the configuration needed for the course. Then click 'Create Desktop'.
3. Log into the desktop and get your course ready inside the DaDesktop VM.

• If you need more than one machine, install Virt Manager (recommended for Linux) or VirtualBox within DaDesktop; you can then configure multiple desktops simultaneously inside DaDesktop. The entire setup will be cloned to every participant and to the trainer's machine.
• We recommend converting documents to PDF if you're using Windows 10 Pro, since MS Office isn't included in DaDesktop.
• Download and prepare materials just as you would on your own computer.
• Only use the automatically assigned DHCP IP addresses for Fresh-Start machines. DO NOT use Static IP addresses or modify MAC addresses or DNS settings on these machines, as that will lead to problems when they're cloned to course desktop VMs. Also, avoid changing the computer name, which can also cause issues in DaDesktop.
  
  If you need help with any of this, contact Tech Support.
   

Third step: Clone desktop to all participants

1. Once you've finished setting up the "Fresh Start desktop", exit and stop the machine.
2. Select "Create from Fresh Start desktop" from the Trainer section to duplicate an exact copy of the fresh start machine.
3. If participants are in different regions, use the dropdown next to "Create from Fresh-Start Trainer desktop" to clone a desktop tailored to their location.
4. The dropdown also offers Clone from Standalone and Create from OS Template.
    

Final step: Join the Training Room

1. Trainers and participants should click on Training Room to join.
2. Upon joining, the system automatically clones the FreshStart desktop to all attendees.
3. In the Training Room, audio and video recordings can be captured automatically.
4. Each participant sees two desktops—the trainer's and their own—so screen sharing isn't required.
5. Within the Training Room, the trainer can view all participant machines alongside their own, and can individually take control to assist someone. Participants see only their own desktop and the trainer's desktop.