Telecourse
FAQ
What is a Telecourse?
Telecourses are just like any “real”
courses; there is a lecture or teaching component, led by the Facilitator,
some discussion, and a question and answer component. They are conducted
over the telephone via teleconferencing bridge systems.
How is a Telecourse different than a regular conference call?
Telecourses are conducted by trained course Facilitators who are
skilled in delivering information in a way that encourages a high
level of participation from all.
Isn’t a classroom setting the best way to learn?
People learn in various ways. One of the most important ways in
which people learn is by being engaged in the subject. Our Telecourses
are dynamic interactive environments where people actively participate
in the process of learning, in a confidential forum.
What is the cost of the phone call?
The bridge call will cost you whatever your normal long distance
phone plan charges you, often between 3-7 cents per minute. This
works out to $2.70-$6.30 per 90 minute class. The telebridge you
will be dialing into is located in Central United States. These
prices can be further reduced by using calling cards which are
available at most convenience stores. There are no additional fees
for the call.
Where do I find out what courses are being offered?
Please visit our Telecourse Schedule for updated information.
How do I sign up for a course?
First, visit our Telecourse Schedule, and choose the course you
are interested in attending.
Then, from the schedule, click on the “Register for This course”
link. It will take you directly to the Registration Page for that
course.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We currently accept Visa and Paypal. If you would like to pay by
cheque, please contact us.
What happens after I sign up for the course?
Once you have signed up for a course, you will receive an email
confirming your registration, along with instructions on how to
access the course. This includes the number you will need to call,
your access code, and time for you to dial into the Telecourse.
You will also receive a toolkit and a course outline for the course
you have chosen.
So, what happens when I dial into the bridge number?
Dial the telephone bridge number 5 minutes before the start
of your Telecourse.
Please note all times are listed in Pacific Time (BC, WA, OR, CA).
If you would like help converting this into your time zone, please
visit timeanddate.com.
You will hear a recording asking for a PIN or Access Code and enter
it. Once you do that, you will be automatically connected to the
Telecourse.
You will receive detailed instructions when you receive your confirmation
of registration.
How do I interact during the course?
When you connect to the course, the Facilitator will greet each
participant and keep track of who is there on the roster. You will
be asked to state your name or nickname upon “arriving”.
The Facilitator will ask questions and “open the lines”
for discussion at different times throughout the course. It’s
very similar to being in any other type of classroom or workshop;
you just can’t see the other participants.
What if I get disconnected; how do I reconnect?
If you get disconnected, simply call back and follow the same instructions
as the first time. This happens very rarely; sometimes it can be
the bridge itself or a break in your long distance that causes
the line to “drop”.
Telecourse
Do’s, Don’ts and Troubleshooting
Please Do:
Always disable your call-waiting feature. To do this, in most locations,
dial *70 before calling into the Telecourse.
When possible, use corded phones, from a landline. If you are using
a cordless phone, try to stay close to the base unit to avoid causing
static on the line.
Use your mute feature if you have one on your phone or headset.
It helps reduce any distractions created by background noise (barking
dogs, television, etc.). If you don’t have this function on
your phone, please try to create a quiet space from which to call.
If you have a telephone headset, feel free to use it. You’ll
find it to be much more comfortable.
Please Don’t:
Never use computer based dialing when calling in to attend Telecourses.
The telephone bridges do not support this technology. This can cause
noise, distortion, static, and even render telephone bridge lines
unusable, until they are repaired.
Never use cell phones or speakerphones. They can create electronic
interference and feedback due to anything from satellite problems
to atmospheric conditions.
Troubleshooting Telebridges
Telebridge problems are very rare, but in the case you’re
having any trouble, please try the following:
Funny noises, static or echoing
If the bridge is making funny noises (buzzing, screeching, tapping,
etc.), we will ask you to hang up and call back. Someone’s
bad connection or use of a cell phone can cause this.
No answer, endless ringing
You may have the wrong Telebridge number. Please double check the
number you are calling against the information you received with
your registration.
You may have misdialed. Please dial again.
You may have called too early. The system is activated 5 minutes
before the class is scheduled to begin.
Time conversion. Please remember that all course times are listed Pacific Standard Time. Please check your time conversion at timeanddate.com.
Silence
If you dial in to the telebridge and it stops ringing, you’ve
connected to the Telecourse. You may be one of the first or second
people to “arrive”. Please say hello and introduce yourself.
The Course facilitator will check in shortly.
All circuits are busy message or fast busy signal
Sometimes these problems can stem from your long distance carrier,
whether your local phone company, calling cards, or predial long
distance services (dialing 10-10-+set of other numbers prior to
placing the call). Please try another long distance method or telephone
to see if it’s the telebridge or your line.
Still having trouble?
Please contact us. Our tech support will guide you smoothly through
connecting to the Telecourse
