The following questions and answers pertain specifically to the POST multimedia program.

If you have general questions about POST, go to the POST Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

1. I'm a new Training Manager. Where do I start?
   
   You are making a good start by reviewing these questions and the other Multimedia Training Program web pages. These pages contain information on available courses, CPT credit, certification, and other information to get you started. If you need additional information, call POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov. The OMR contains information on available courses, CPT credit, certification, and other information to get you started. If you need additional information, call POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov.
   
   
2. What is a "POST" computer?
   
   A POST computer is a multimedia training system that has Manager's Edge^TM and other POST software installed. The installation routine used for POST CD-ROM courses will recognize this software and install the courses to run from Manager's Edge.
   
   
3. Who is eligible to take POST multimedia courses?
   
   POST multimedia courses are primarily intended for officers, reserves, and dispatchers. The courses can also be used for training other groups or individuals.
   
   
4. I have one computer and one set of CDs. How do I train the 200-plus officers in my agency?
   
   The number of computers or the number of CDs should not be considered a limitation in using multimedia training. Any computer that meets the minimum specifications can be used to deliver the training and POST will send you copies of CD-ROM courses for each system. You can also use multimedia training in the classroom or in small groups . For additional CDs, contact POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov.
   
   
5. When I turn on the POST computer, the Windows logon shows Administrator or Student. I've forgotten or do not have the password to log on as Administrator. How do I get the password?
   
   POST can give the default password to the person responsible for the POST multimedia computer. Call POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC. Access to the computer may be required to solve this problem.
   
   

6. How does a student log on to the system?
   
   At the Windows log on screen, click Student, then click OK. On the Manager's Edge log on screen, type the first initial and last name of the student (e.g. asipowicz) in the login field. Type the student's social security number in the password field and click the Login button.

7. I've forgotten or do not have a password to log on to Manager's Edge. How do I get into Manager's Edge?
   
   POST can give the default password to the person responsible for the POST multimedia computer. Call POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC. Access to the computer may be required to solve this problem.

8. I get an error when I try to install a course. How do I correct the error?
   
   The error message may be slightly different from course to course. The last three numbers will help to identify the problem (e.g., DUI008 is known as an 008 error).
   
   Here are some common errors and solutions to them:
   
   001
   "Setup cannot determine if this is a California POST agency computer. If your agency is part of the California POST program, write down the message number and call 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov for more information."
   
   Depending upon the type of computer you are using, this may not be an error, per se. If you are installing the course on a non-POST computer, there is no error; just click the OK button and continue with the installation. If you are installing the course on a POST computer, this means that Manager's Edge is not on the computer. Note the error number, click the OK button, and call 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov for more information.
   
   Error 005
   "Setup has found a configuration problem and aborted the installation. Write down the message number, then call 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov for more information."
   
   Click here to download the POSTENTRY.REG file from the Multimedia Training Program Downloads section of the POST website. Transfer this file to the POST computer (via network, diskette, etc.). Double-click the file to begin the registry update process. Click the Yes button in the dialog box. Restart the installation process.
   
   Tech Tip -The REG file contains a few additions for the Windows registry that will correct any variation on the existing data values and allow the installation to move forward.
   
   Error 008
   "Setup has found a configuration problem and aborted the installation. Write down the message number, then call 1-877-ASK-LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov for more information."
   
   Locate the CD titled Getting Started with Manager's Edge. Locate the file titled GETTING STARTED.DOC. It is on the CD in the SUPPORT folder. Double-click the file and follow the instructions to update the computer. Remove Getting Started with Manager's Edge from the CD drive and install the course.

9. The student screen is displayed when I log on as Administrator. How do I access the Administrator Screen?
   
   There are several possible causes for this. The agency training manager should call POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC. Access to the computer is required while speaking with POST staff.
   
   Tech Tip - A possible cause for this is a change in the Windows User Profiles. Some of the user profiles are secured with Windows policies.

10. Can I install the courses on a network?
    
    POST multimedia courses were not designed to run on a network. POST will provide a CD-ROM for each computer system used for multimedia training.

11. Can I set up several computers on my network for training?
    
    Yes. Both the Manager's Edge Student Module and the courses should be installed on all training computers on the network. The administrator can access all student records from the Administrator screen in Manager's Edge. Call 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov for information on network installation.

12. Does the CD need to be in the computer to take the course?
    
    Yes.

13. Do I have to take the entire course at one time?
    
    No. When you exit the course, your progress will be saved. When you restart the training, you can continue from where you left off.

14. Can I upgrade my POST computer's operating system (e.g., to Windows 2000 or to Windows XP)?
    
    Yes. However you may experience difficulty with the following courses:
    
    Hazardous Materials Awareness: Call POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov for more information.
    

15. Can I install and take the courses on a non-POST computer?
    
    Yes! All courses, except Hazardous Materials Awareness, are designed to run on non-POST computers. Hazardous Materials Awareness will only run on a POST configured computer.

16. I tried to run the course on a non-POST computer and was prompted to enter a password. What password do I use?
    
    The first time you log on to a course on a non-POST computer, you create your password. Enter any combination of up to nine numbers and/or letters. You will be prompted to register as a new student. Your progress will be saved. Upon completion of the course you can print your results.

17. Do the multimedia courses qualify for CPT credit?
    
    Yes. To receive credit, complete the course roster just like you would with any other course and mail it to POST.
    
    For the amount of hours of CPT credit for each course, click here, then click Continuing Professional Training (CPT) credit.

18. Can I get additional copies of course CDs?
    
    Yes. Contact POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov to request additional copies.

19. Can I make copies of the CDs?
    
    No. Licensing restrictions prohibit unauthorized reproduction of the CDs. Contact POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov to request additional copies.

20. How can I get support documentation?
    
    You can view and print support documentation from the Job Aids section.

21. Does the course automatically install when the CD is placed in the computer?
    
    None of the courses automatically install. Instructions are printed on the inside cover of each CD case, and the Installing a Course job aid can be obtained from the On-line Multimedia Reference by clicking Job Aids.

22. Can I install other software on the POST computer?
    
    By logging on to the system as an administrator you can access the Desktop and install software. However, if the software you install interferes with the functionality of POST courses, you must uninstall the software. Agencies that received reimbursement for a multimedia computer signed a letter acknowledging that the primary purpose of the computer is for training. Use of the computers for any other reason should not interfere with training.

23. Does the POST computer need Internet access?
    
    The first seven CD ROM courses do not require Internet access. However, courses released after September 2001 contain a link that enables officers to send feedback to POST regarding the courses. To send feedback to POST regarding courses released before September 2001, click http://www.post.ca.gov/mm/youropinion.htm

24. How do I check student progress using a POST computer?
    
    For Students:
    Log on as a student. In the Manager's Edge Student Module, click the Report Card icon to view your individual progress.
    
    For Administrators:
    Log on as an administrator. In the Manager's Edge Administrator Module, click the name of the appropriate user, then click the Performance tab. This displays the courses assigned to the user and the progress he or she has made. You may also open Reports and view or print student records.

25. Can our agency have one desktop computer using Manager's Edge and allow students to take the courses on personal laptops? How would Manager's Edge work?
    
    Each course (except HazMat) has a limited training management system. Students who take multimedia training on computers that do not have Manager's Edge can print the results of his or her training as evidence that the course was completed. The Training Manager would then enter a "Pass" into the student's record in Manager's Edge. See the next question for information on tracking student progress on a non-POST computer.

26. How do I track student progress on a computer without Manager's Edge?
    
    For systems that do not have Managers Edge, student progress can be tracked using the installed course software. The following table provides information on which courses track progress and how to access the progress information.
    
    

    Course Title	Progress Tracking	To Access Progress Information
    Domestic Violence: It's Your Call, Vol. 1	No	N/A
    HazMat Awareness Refresher Training	N/A	Course does not run on non-POST computers.
    All other courses	Yes	Call 1.877.ASK.LTRC

    
    

27. Can I track other than CD-ROM courses using Manager's Edge?
    
    Yes. In the Administrator Module, enter the course information and assign students to the course. Please refer to the job aid, Adding a Non-CD-ROM Course to Manager's Edge for additional information.

28. How do I resolve problems associated with my POST computer?
    
    If you have a problem with your hardware (e.g., the CD ROM drive is not working), contact the vendor from whom you purchased the computer. POST can help you resolve problems associated with the POST software and courses. Contact POST at 1.877.ASK.LTRC or email askltrc@post.ca.gov.

29. When should course rosters be submitted?
    
    You can submit your rosters any time after training is completed.
    
    For course numbers and corresponding CPT credit, click here, then click Continuing Professional Training (CPT) credit.

30. Can a student take a course more than once?
    
    Yes. For instance, Communication: Keeping Your Edge can be taken every two years for recertification.

31. Does POST need to be notified when a new training manager takes over the multimedia program?
    
    No. The agency remains certified to present multimedia training.

32. Why are state agencies not eligible for free CD-ROM training?
    
    The Peace Officer Training Fund (POTF) is designated as aid to local government. Funds can be used for local law enforcement agencies, including some campus police departments, but they cannot be used to support other state agencies. If any state or other non-reimbursable agency wishes to use the CD-ROM courses, they can be purchased. Click here for information on purchasing POST multimedia courses.

33. Will multimedia training completely eliminate classroom training for meeting CPT requirements?
    
    Multimedia is one method for agencies to meet CPT requirements. It is not meant to eliminate other methods.
    
    
34. When are CDs coming out for dispatch training?
    
    An agency determines what training is relevant for its dispatchers. Current multimedia courses such as Communication: Keeping Your Edge can be used to meet CPT requirements for dispatch training if the agency chooses to use them. POST is considering the development of multimedia courses that are specifically designed for dispatchers.
    
    

35. When will the PC832 CD be coming out on CD-ROM?
    
    The conversion of the existing PC832 Interactive Videodisc course to CD-ROM has been put on hold while POST reviews the PC832 training requirements. When that project is complete, POST will decide whether to proceed with the conversion.

36. Is a separate certification required for each multimedia course?
    
    Separate certification for each course is not required. One certification covers the agency for all CD-ROM training. Also, if you were previously certified for IVD training, that certification carries over to CD-ROM. To check your agency's certification, call the Training Delivery Bureau at 916.227-4866.

37. Are there workbooks available for CD-ROM courses?
    
    Several of the courses come with a reference manual that can be viewed in the course or printed out by the trainee. The four drug courses and Learners First each have a reference manual.

38. What's the best computer hardware for running POST CD-ROM courses?
    
    The courses are designed to run on computers that meet the minimum specifications for a "POST" computer. These systems are 400 Mhz computers with 64 MB of RAM, and a video card with 8MB of RAM. The courses will also run on systems that exceed these minimum specifications.

39. Why do we have to change our Manager's Edge password once we are using it?
    
    Manager's Edge has a security feature that requires users to change his or her password after 30 days. POST Learning Technology Resource Center (LTRC) staff has modified this feature so students can keep their passwords indefinitely. This modification has been distributed with some of the new courses (such as the course on sexual assault and the second domestic violence course) and is automatically incorporated when you install the course.

40. How often are the multimedia courses updated?
    
    The CD-ROM courses are updated as needed. POST will notify agencies when courses are updated and re-released.

41. Is CD training graded? Could you fail the course? Would it have to be taken again? Or is it just refresher training?
    
    It depends upon the course. HazMat and the four drug courses send either a pass or fail to Manager's Edge. Learners first, the two domestic violence courses, and the sexual assault course record only a pass. If trainees do not pass a scenario within the course, they are the only ones that know. In either case, a student must successfully complete the course in order to receive credit. See the response to the next question for completion requirements.
    
    

42. If a student fails a portion of a course, why does the student have to start over?
    
    Certain courses require the student to retake the entire course while others allow the student to retake the sections he or she did not pass.
    
    For specific information about a particular course, see the course titles below:
    
    Hazardous Awareness Refresher Training - This course is designed to follow the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) guidelines for refresher training. In order to successfully complete the course, a student must take a pre-quiz, complete the topics, complete one of the scenarios, and pass the final exam. As per CSTI guidelines, students have two tries to pass the final exam. If they fail, the system suggests areas in the course to study. They must start the course again, beginning with the pre-quiz. They then may study only those areas suggested, complete a scenario, and have two more chances at the final.
    
    Drug and Alcohol Recognition Series - To successfully complete the Drug Identification and the Law, the Drug Influence and User Identification, or the Driving Under the Influence courses, the student must go through the lesson practices, the comprehensive practices, and pass the final quiz. Only the final quiz is scored and the student can repeat the final quiz until it is passed. To successfully complete the Basic Narcotics Investigations course, the student must go through all of Operation Lightning Bolt and pass the final quiz. Again, only the final quiz is scored and it can be repeated until it is passed.
    
    Domestic Violence: It's Your Call^TM, Vol. 1 - In this course, the student must successfully complete both scenarios in order to pass. Each scenario requires the student to select at least 50% of the facts in four different areas. If the student does not pass a scenario, he or she must take the entire scenario again.
    
    Domestic Violence: It's Your Call^TM, Vol. 2 - Because of feedback POST received from agencies regarding Volume 1, the second volume allows a student to rework a scenario by going back to the scene with all his/her actions and facts in place. The student then only has to add any missing facts and resubmit the report.
    
    Learners First: Facilitation Skills for Learner-Centered Instruction - Each section of the simulation is scored separately. Students only repeat the section they failed. The course is passed when all sections of the simulation are passed.
    
    Sexual Assault: The Patrol Response - In order to pass the course, each of the three scenarios must be successfully completed. In each scenario, a student's performance is judged in four areas: Trust, Facts, Evidence, and Charges. If the student gathers less than 50% of either Trust or Facts, he/she will fail the scenario and it must be started again. If the student gathers less than 50% of the Charges or Evidence, but has sufficient amounts of Trust and Facts, he/she will have an opportunity to review the Evidence and redo the Charges. There are several areas within each scenario where a student can make an error and get a second chance.

43. Will POST staff provide on-site training on the multimedia program?
    
    POST does not offer training to individual agencies. However, POST provides training to local Law Enforcement Training Manager's Associations upon request. In addition, POST offers technical support for multimedia questions. You can reach LTRC personnel for multimedia technical support by calling 1.877.ASK.LTRC or emailing askltrc@post.ca.gov.
    
    

44. Does POST reimburse agencies for computers?
    
    The reimbursement program for multimedia computers has been completed.

45. Can our agency modify a course to be agency-specific?
    
    Current courses are not designed for the inclusion of agency-specific material. This capability may be incorporated into future courses.

46. What new technologies are being researched?
    
    POST is investigating capabilities in three major areas: training delivery, training design, and training management. The Internet and DVD are just two of the delivery technologies POST is researching. Design technologies, which will enhance a student's experience, such as voice recognition and more sophisticated virtual reality, may be incorporated into future courses. Automatic reporting of course completion for CPT credit through the POST Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) may be used to improve training management.

47. What are the limitations to multimedia training?
    
    Each medium of instruction (classroom, videotape, computer, etc.) has its own limitations. A limitation with individual multimedia training might be a lack of interaction with other students. Using the courses with small groups is a very effective blending of the benefits of multimedia training and peer-to-peer interaction. Some technologies such as the Internet can be adapted to help address this issue as well.