What Is a Teleclass?

Teleclasses are live, interactive training classes conducted over the telephone through the use of teleconferencing bridgelines. Classes are facilitated by trained teleclass leaders and are typically an hour in duration, although anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes is considered the norm.

Teleclasses can be lecture based, discussion based or, more typically, a combination of both. The size of each class is determined by the instructor and can range anywhere from 5 to 100 participants.

What Are the Benefits of Teleclasses?

• Convenience - Teleclasses continue to grow steadily in popularity because of the convenience of participating from home or office, eliminating travel time.
  
  
• Increased Learning Opportunities and Instructor Options - Teleclasses literally bridge the gap between time and space, opening the classroom door to many types of learning opportunities and instructor options.
  
  
• Cost Effectiveness - Teleclasses are a very effective and cost efficient way to receive many practical tips, tools, strategies and techniques that can greatly benefit your life or business.

How Does It Work?

• Within 24 hours after you register for a teleclass, the instructor will email a confirmation of registration along with a telephone number and class access code to each class participant. Not all teleclasses require an access code; the instructor will provide one only if it is necessary.
  
  
• At the start of class time, all participants call the bridgeline phone number provided by the instructor.
  
  
• As soon as participants connect to the bridgeline they are prompted to enter the access code of the class, if one is necessary.
  
  
• As each participant enters the teleclass call, the instructor will hear a signal, alerting him or her that someone has joined the class, although they will not know who that participant is.
  
  
• As soon as the instructor hears the signal he/she will greet each participant by asking, "Hello, who has joined us on the call?" In response, the participant simply states their name and where they from: "Hello, this is Mary Jones, calling from Chicago, IL."
  
  
• Most classes are interactive, so the instructor will start off by making key points and then inviting the participants to contribute something. It is not mandatory to interact during the class. If a participant chooses just to listen they are welcome to do so.
  
  
• The discussion or interaction phase of a teleclass is conducted the same way it would be if conducted in any classroom or live seminar. However, because participants cannot see each other, when they are invited to speak by the instructor, it is proper teleclass etiquette for participants to state their name first, before responding. Example: "This is Mary from Chicago. I would like to say ... ."
  
  
• When the teleclass comes to an end, or if participants need to exit the class early, they simple hang up to disconnect.
  
  
• If at any time, either prior to or after the teleclass, you need administrative help, make sure to use the same contact information you used when you registered for the teleclass. This is usually the office phone number and/or email address of either the teleclass instructor or the organization sponsoring the teleclass. Bridgeline phone numbers are used as a tele-classroom connection only.
  

Teleclass Etiquette

• Use a Regular Wired Phone - Do your best to avoid the use of cell, cordless, or speakerphones, as they can add a lot of static and noise that is potentially very distracting to other participants. If you must use one of these types of phones, use the mute button on your phone or the mute number given by the instructor at the start of class. This allows you to hear everything being said by the instructor and other participants, but they cannot hear you or any background noise associated with your telephone connection. If and when you would like to speak, remember to unmute so that the instructor and other participants can hear you!
  
  
• Call From a Quiet Place or Mute Out - Do your best to call from a location where other participants cannot hear your dog barking, your children playing, or office machines running. If you are not able to call in from a quiet place, simply use the mute button.
  
  
• Try to Be Prompt - Classes begin only a few minutes after the initial welcome phase. It's OK to call in late, but refrain from speaking until you come up to speed with the flow of the class discussion.

Getting the Most from Your Telelclass Experience

• Briefly Review any pre-class information sent by the instructor. It only takes a few minutes but will help to ensure that you receive the highest benefit from the teleclass  "hour."
  
  
• Have Paper and Pen Handy to jot down notes, questions, and resources you may want to take advantage of after the class.
  
  
• Use the Opportunity to Ask. In most cases, the instructor will stay on the line after the close of the class to answer questions from participants. Take advantage of the opportunity!