Teleclasses: Your New Innovative
Way to Learn
by Kim Olver
What the heck is a teleclass
anyway? Teleclasses, also called teleconferences, are an innovative method
for bringing information to you without you needing to leave your home
or office.
Most teleclasses are promoted
by people who do business online. You will find them advertised on websites,
in online advertising or perhaps in an email you receive. After speaking
with several focus groups, I now understand that many people are unaware
of exactly what a teleclass is and are concerned that there is some type
of catch or hidden cost.
First of all, teleclasses
are simply conference calls, ranging in size from three to thousands of
participants. When you sign up for a teleclass, you typically receive an
email that will give you the details for calling in. You simply dial the
phone number provided at the agreed upon time for the class, enter the
access code provided and you are instantly connected to the other participants
who registered for the call and the teleclass leader.
You only need a telephone
to participate in the calls. If you don’t have a computer to receive the
confirmation email, most teleclass leaders will provide an alternative
to email for you to get the necessary information, such as a telephone
call.
Many people are afraid that
there are hidden costs with teleclasses. Many teleclasses are free or list
for a nominal cost, such as $19-$49. The only additional cost to you would
be whatever your phone company charges for long distance fees. So, if your
long distance cost is $.05/minute, then a 60 minute teleclass would cost
you only $3.00! Many people will opt to use their cell phone to avail themselves
of their free minutes so the call costs nothing!
Teleclasses gained popularity
after 9/11, when many people began avoiding larger gatherings, such as
seminars or workshops. Teleclasses are the perfect way to gain information
without having to travel to a remote location where there are large groups
of people. Also, during today’s information age when people need information
quickly, teleclasses make the perfect choice.
Most teleclasses are 60-90
minutes in length and are geared toward giving information on a variety
of topics. Each teleclass is generally devoted to a specific topic. An
expert will disseminate information on the call and participants are generally
given the opportunity to ask questions and to interact with the presenter
and the other participants either throughout or at the end of the call.
Key points are highlighted
but there is not the depth of information most people get from attending
an in-person event. Also, there is generally not the same atmosphere or
personal touch people get from attending a live, in-person seminar but
the advantages are many.
For example, you don’t have
to speak if you don’t want to. No one will even know you are on the call.
You can maintain your anonymity. You can hang up if the call doesn’t interest
you. You can multitask in the comfort of your own home or office. As long
as your phone is muted, no one will know what you are doing.
You don’t have to be concerned
about what to wear. You can attend a teleclass in your bath robe if you
want. (This may not be so easy if you are already at the office!) Also,
driving directions are never a problem. Teleclasses don’t tie up any more
of your time than the actual call is scheduled for, leaving you free to
continue with your active, busy life.
Teleclasses are a new, convenient
alternative for people looking to gain information without investing a
lot of time. Many times a teleclass is offered by people who also provide
in-person workshops. The teleclass is a great way to “test drive” the speaker
to determine whether or not you want to invest your time in a full-day
seminar.
If you are interested in
registering for any of these classes, just visit www.coachingforexcellence.biz
and click on the “Classes” link on the left-hand navigation bar or to go
directly to the teleclass page, just click on the following link or copy
and paste it into your browser: http://www.coachingforexcellence.biz/Teleclasses.shtml.
About the Author
Kim Olver has an undergraduate
degree in psychology, a graduate degree in counseling, is a National Certified
Counselor and is a licensed professional counselor. She offers free chats,
assessments, a blog and an eZine, as well as workshops, teleclasses, e-courses,
counseling and coaching. Visit her website at www.CoachingforExcellence.biz
or contact her at (708) 957-6047.
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