The CALA ZOOM Virtual training events have been a great success. It was a new delivery environment for everyone.  Learning challenges were welcomed by both Charlene Kopansky, our outstanding team of trainers, instructors and of course instructors. They raised up to the challenge and brought exceptional training to our current members and new non-members.  Our participation spanned the world.  People who may not have been able to participate in CALA training events and get their CECs were not able to not only take the training but meet other instructors from around the world.  They got to share experiences about aquafitness and now how their facilities are handling covid-10 reopening.

Teaching Aquafit will be a new world when we return to our facilities. The classes offer may change, number of people in class by be lower, the use of equipment may be limited - maybe people will have to buy their own rather than using share facility equipment.

Workshops and Certification Courses

Participant Feedback

Here is some of the feedback CALA has received from the participants who participated in the zoom training

• Love meeting all these new instructors
• Got to meet other trainers who live close to me
• Learn how important it will be to use non-verbal cues when we return to our pools. Trainers helped us fine tune our non-verbal cues. Feel natural now.
• Got to know the Trainers on a more personal level
• Found it comfortable to ask questions
• Did miss the pool but found concentrating more on the theory made me more knowledgeable about my role as an instructor. When we get back to the pool we will be able to implement my theory
• Loved that we could review the training via the recording after the session. Something you could not do with in person training
• Loved when other Trainers join the session.  Having multiple trainers meant there were more resources to draw on for answers. Showed other trainers were interested in the sessions being offered and demonstrated they were interested in expanding their knowledge
• Great that you can take a session you missed after it was offered.  The recordings are available for Independent Learning.
• Having the sessions on ZOOM  means no travelling or overnight stays.
• Sometimes hard to get 3 hours of uninterrupted time when you are at home but the trainers have been very understanding. That mute button is great, sometime we also need to turn the camera of for a few minute and still hear the trainer.
• The trainers have make you aware that there is more to teaching Aquafit than demonstrating the movements. You need to understand how the body works, people management, understanding various medical conditions, water safety, personal safety, emergency procedures, health and safety, pool management, knowledge of swimwear, designing a balance class, acceptance of feedback, working under covid regulations, etc.
• Wonderful to see such a wide variety of sessions being offered. Having them on zoom means members can take them all from the comfort of their home.
• Having the schedule in advance gives us time to arrange a quiet place for the training that is convenient
• When you take your assessment, the feedback you received is very helpful. Throughout the training session, the trainer made sure we knew exactly what we needed to pass the written test and what they would be looking for during the practical assessment. Could not have asked for better support.
• If you need to leave the room you can still hear the trainer from the other room. You don't miss anything
• Knowing there will be a recording that we have access to mean it is easier to dedicate your attention to actively participating rather than trying to listen and take notes hoping you don't miss anything.
• Recordings allow for better learning experience.
• When a group in the same facility are taking the training we can assemble at the facility and share our learning.
• Because we have access to the recording, the trainer encourages to get up and follow the choreography during the training. Continuous practising helps to reinforce the learning.  During the practising the trainer asks us questions like what the name of the move is, what muscles are we working, what joints are being worked, what is the verbal and nonverbal cue, what are we looking for when observing the participants, how do we get the participants to  correct their form etc.  The trainers really make you think and realize the importance of proper form.
• Love when the trainers explain whey CALA wants our feedback.  CALA takes our feedback seriously, they read it and take action as required. Asking what training we would like to attend means members have a say in the training offered. The trainer
• As a new instructor, the ongoing contact is important in my development.  You can contact CALA trainers directly or post on their Facebook page. You get prompt answers.  If you have been an instructor for awhile you can take reduced rate refresher training.  When a member is taking a refresher, they can contribute experience to the new instructors.
• As a new instructor, the first steps are terrifying but once your start the training you learn you are not alone. During the training have made new friends to support me.  When preparing for the exam, they were there for support and as a study buddy. Practised together over ZOOM and received great feedback which helped me create a successful practical 30 minute class.  Thank you my friends

Trainer Feedback

Here is some of the feedback CALA has received from the trainers who participated in the zoom training

• It has been a new learning experience for trainers, getting use to zoom technology, adjusting the screen to make sure you are in frame, and learning a new way to present the material.
• Love meeting instructors from all over the world that I would not have meet under other circumstances.
• Size of group are different then in person sessions - the participants can attend regardless of where they live
• The sessions do not to be offered all at once, it can be spread over several days or weekends.
• Sometimes the times are a challenge but we understand
• Internet connects are unpredictable, the participants are fortunate to have the recordings to review what they miss if their connection goes down
• Schedule not limited to when pool facilities are available
• Start to become familiar with so many participants.  Many of the participants attend several sessions.  It has been almost a year since we started. We can see their children grow, you can watch the participants Aquafitness growth
• Without the support of the everyone on the CALA Team, these sessions would not have been possible
• CALA Trainers continue to expand the variety of new CALA Training Events.
• When the participants are demonstrating you can watch each participants at the same time (love gallery view). Everyone gets personal attention.
• ZOOM virtual training allows trainers to bring the training to the participants rather than having the training brought to them.
• All the trainers have stepped up to deliver new CALA training sessions relevant to how covid-19 has affected our learning, how facilities will function when they open, what is going to impact our delivery of Aquafit classes, how instructors will need to adapt or change their schedules, type of class, how the changes will impact the participants

Thank you to our Team of CALA Trainers and CALA Administration Support Team for their contribution to the successful delivery of Virtual Training through ZOOM

Our CALA Master Trainers have been outstanding CALA Training Events since March 2020.  Thanks to our outstanding Team of Trainers, these sessions have been well attended by members throughout the world.

Meet our Master Trainers who have delivered the training.  In 2021, other CALA trainers will be offering workshops and/or courses.  Keep checking the Upcoming Event web page.

CATCH the CALA WAVE

CALA invites everyone to view their list of Upcoming Events and join one or more of these events. 

Everyone is welcome to join the workshop but the certification course require CALA membership and the VWT Certification pre-requisite. 

Looking forward to seeing you at a CALA session. Continue to spread the word about the CALA training events.