Q: What is a tele-class?

A tele-class is a workshop or seminar using a phone bridge line to create a “virtual venue” for the training. In short, it’s a conference call with more than three people using a common dial-in number and participant access code.

Q: What is a webinar?

A webinar combines the audio of a tele-class with the visual interactivity of a Power Point presentation as well as the opportunity to respond to poll questions and other in-session communication. After registering for a webinar you will receive BOTH the phone number/access code for the call AND a web link that will allow the presenter’s computer screen to be visible on yours via the web. If you can talk on the phone and be online at the same time you have all the technology you need to join us for a webinar.

Q: Can you refresh my memory about tele-class/webinar etiquette?

1. Call on time. Use a land line if at all possible. If you have to call using your cell phone, get to a place with a strong signal, plug in your power cord and stay put for the entire call. Please note some cell phone companies are blocking calls to tele-class/webinar bridge lines. If you are blocked from a call and know you have the correct number try again with a land line.
2. In some cases, when you connect to the tele-class/webinar bridge line you may be prompted by the auto-attendant to introduce yourself. Please ignore this voice prompt and DO NOT introduce yourself unless you are asked to do so by the facilitator.
3. Place your phone on MUTE, disable call waiting, close your office door and if you have a home office, put the dog in the other room; whatever it takes to minimize background noise and distractions. (That includes turning off your cell phone.)
4. Don’t use a speaker phone unless it has a mute button.Clear your desk or work area so you can give your full concentration to the tele-class/webinar.
5. Have your pen, legal pad and session notes (as appropriate) with you when you call.
6. Did we mention put your phone on mute?
7. Don’t interrupt the facilitator or other participants. We’ll work hard to make sure we have time for questions and give everyone a chance to be heard.
8. Each time you are given the opportunity to speak, introduce yourself first by saying, “This is “first and last name” with, “name of organization…”
9. Stand up when you speak. No kidding. Your voice will naturally project more volume and you are less likely to ramble on about things that are not really in line with the topic and are just, well sort of things you want to talk about but others might not be really interested in…are you getting the picture?
10. Don’t give the webinar link or bridge number/participant access code to anyone. It will be sent to the people who register and each session has a limited number of spaces. If you give the number to someone who has not registered you may be shutting out someone else who did.

Q: What if I lose the webinar link or bridge line number/participant access code?

If you use Outlook, I’d suggest you use the add this to my calendar feature when you register. At the very least, cut and paste the webinar link, phone number and access code into the note section of the calendar appointment you created for this call so you have it accessible when you need it. But if you find yourself in a cold sweat the day of the session, feel free to contact the EFMA office (770-457-6677) and we will bail you out.