What is a Teleclass?
Teleclasses are classes delivered via teleconference calls, which can support many callers simultaneously. With this technology, each student, regardless of geographic location, can join in the courses by just dialling a phone number at the designated time to connect with the teleclass leader and other students.
How do I participate in a teleclass?
A teleclass is an interactive workshop conducted via telephone bridge line. You do not need any special equipment to participate - just a standard telephone and the number to call. When you dial the number, you will be prompted by a recorded voice to dial in your pin number at the appropriate time. Then you will be connected to the teleclass. You do not need a computer in order to be in the class. All you need is a regular phone.
What happens during the teleclass?
Teleclasses are interactive and usually involve a combination of lecture, questions and discussion. You will have an opportunity to participate by volunteering comments, answering and asking questions. If you prefer to be a silent participant, that's okay, too. Depending on the size of the group and the nature of the class, you may be asked to introduce yourself by first name and the city you are calling from
How long is the teleclass?
Classes are usually one hour. Please check the description for your teleclass to confirm the length of the call.
Will others be able to hear me during the teleclass?
Yes, everyone on the call can hear each other. Some bridge lines have a mute feature, so sometimes the teleclass leader can mute everyone by placing the teleclass in presentation mode. Some bridge lines offer the ability for individual callers to mute themselves by pressing a key on their phone. Instructions on how to use those features are included in your pre-class instructions. If the bridge line does not offer a mute feature, you may also mute your own phone if you have that feature built into your telephone. This is recommended if you have background noise that can be heard by others on the call.
If I'm late can I still participate?
That depends on the class. Some bridge lines provide a feature whereby the teleclass leader can lock the line so others cannot call in after a certain time. If you are late, please enter the call quietly so you don't interrupt the flow. Those already connected will hear a beep when you join the call. Also, be aware that you may have missed instructions. It's not fair to others who were on time to ask the teleclass leader to repeat what was already covered.
What number should I dial?
You will receive confirmation e-mail after you register which includes information on the teleclass as well as the phone and your PIN number. Depending on which class you take, there may also be instructions on how to prepare for the teleclass. Be sure to read the instructions when they arrive so you are not caught unprepared before the class begins. All participants dial the same telephone number at the scheduled time to connect automatically with the rest of the group
Do I have to pay a long distance charge to participate?
You bear the cost of making a telephone call for the duration of the teleclass to the international number given (usually a USA number). The charge to you is determined and charged by the telephone service provider you use. You pay for the call because it is your way to arrive there - just as you would pay to travel to a seminar in your hometown. You should check the cost of calls in advance with your telephone service provider. Excellerate does not profit from your long distance phone call in any way. There are no hidden charges - only the charge from your telephone service provider.
Can I put you on speakerphone so I don't have to hold the phone for an hour?
Please only use your speakerphone if you can mute your phone. Pick up the handset when you share and put the mute button on when you're listening. If you are not able to mute your phone, using the speakerphone feature generally allows for more background noises to be heard over the bridge line. This can be very distracting to the teleclass leader and other callers.
Can I get class notes before the teleclass starts?
Excellerate provides notetaking guides prior to the class and extensive notes after the teleclass has concluded so participants are not flipping through paper and trying to read instead of listen. If you learn best by taking notes, then you can use the class notetaking guide. If you decide to type your notes on a keyboard, please be mindful that some keyboards can be very noisy, and this will carry over the bridge line so everyone will be able to hear you type. If materials are required for the class they will be emailed to you or provided in a special section of our Web site. You'll be advised how to get materials once you register.
Who can Access the Teleclass?
Your booking entitles you alone to access the teleclass. You must not forward or disclose the access telephone number and access code to anyone else.
What if the class is cancelled?
Excellerate may occasionally need to cancel Teleclasses and teleclasses bookings due unforeseen circumstances such as illness of the teleclass leader or technical failure of the teleconference service. If this happens you will be notified as soon possible. You will receive a full refund for independant teleclasses unless you choose to accept an alternative teleclass date and time, where one has been offered.
Recording of Teleclasses
Excellerate may record teleclasses and then distribute them. When a teleclass is to be recorded Excellerate will advise all participants. By participating in a recorded teleclass you give permission for the recording and its distribution and agree that you will not be compensated for this. You may record or transcribe the teleclass for your own personal use only.
