Teleclass Tips

To ensure that all learners have a good learning experience, please follow these procedures.

Phones

• Use a regular cord telephone that is attached to a wall. You may use a 900HZ cordless phone if you stay near its base unit and not move around.
• Absolutely do not use a cell phone, an Internet-based phone, or a speakerphone.
• Disable the Call Waiting feature on your phone. For most systems, you need to dial *70 (star 70). When you hang up, the feature is reinstated.
• If you're using a two-line phone, turn off the ringer to the second line.
• Do not share the teleclass phone number with anyone. Sharing the number is not only unethical, illegal,and rude, but there are a limited number of spots available in the class, and you may prevent someone from getting into the class, even if they have paid.
• Do not record the class.We prefer to keep attendance at a University class a live, unique, interactive experience. Feel free to take notes during class. If handouts are available, they will be emailed to you. There are federal and state statutes governing the use of electronic recording equipment without the permission of the participants. We do not give permission.
• Use the mute button on the phone to keep out background noise as well as your breathing, coughing, or sneezing noises.
• Save money on long distance: You will be calling a long-distance number, and that cost will show up on your regular long-distance carrier phone bill. For excellent rates on long distance, we recommend Costco or Sam's Club calling cards, available for order online. Their rates are approximately 3.4 cents per minute.

Planning for the class

• Have the date, time, and teleclass phone number easily available so you don't have to search for it at the last minute. Remember, there are no refunds.
• Classes are stated in Eastern Standard Time on the registration form. To convert the time to your own time zone, visit this site: http://travel.americanexpress.com/travel/personal/resources/tools/time/
• Give your full attention to the class. Set aside one hour. Do not do anything else, such as household chores or office work, during the class.
• Call from a a quiet room. Put your dogs, cats, children, spouse or co-workers into another room. Put "Do not Disturb" on your doorbell or office door. Turn off the TV, stereos, and radios. Focus on learning.
• For the majority of classes, you do not need computer access. (The class description will mention if computer access is required for a particular class.) Use paper and pen/pencil to take notes.
• Call no sooner than a couple of minutes before the beginning of the class.

Arriving and Leaving

• Introduce yourself to the group as you enter the class.
• If you arrive late, do not interrupt the class. Remain silent and listen to the instructor.
• Please do not leave early; on some systems, this results in a disruptive electronic tone.
• When the class is over, feel free to say goodbye to everyone and hang up.
• Do not stay on the line after the call is over.

During the Teleclass

• Remember: Do not ever use your Hold button during the teleclass!
• When you share during the class, say the instructor's name, and then identify yourself by your first name and city.
• When commenting on what another caller has said, please keep your comments constructive, positive, and short.
• If there are dstractive line noises such as echoes and static, the instructor may ask everyone to hang up and call back.