Classes
Common Questions About Teleclasses
If you are considering taking a teleclass you may wonder how, and if, classes by phone actually work. Rest assured, teleclasses can be very interactive and flow smoothly. When people attend traditional classes, the expectation is that the instructor will talk at the group but when people use the phone, the expectation is two-way conversation. This is the true power of a teleclass.
The teleclass leader creates an interactive environment, where the primary goals are to provide participants with proven strategies for success as well as to draw out the wisdom of the group. Participants benefit from the instructor's expertise as well as from the comments and experiences of other class participants. You can listen and absorb or engage in the discussion. You can always ask questions of your teleclass instructor.
Still have questions? Read the frequently asked questions about teleclasses below. If you still have questions, please contact Member Health Improvement.
What is a teleclass?
What are the benefits of participating in a teleclass?
What types of teleclasses are offered?
How long are teleclasses?
Who conducts the teleclasses?
What do teleclass instructors do about handouts?
How do I register for a teleclass?
What is the appropriate teleclass etiquette?
How do I register at the last minute?
My class starts tonight, and I lost my dial-in instructions. What do I do?
How do I withdraw from a teleclass?
What is a teleconference number?
What is a teleconference line?
Will I be charged for the call?
Do I have to be a Hill Physicians member to participate?
What is a teleclass?
A teleclass is simply a phone call that connects participants into a whole new realm of learning without the inconvenience, time or expense of traveling to a central site to attend class. Participants can call from the privacy of their home, office or any place with a telephone. Formats vary slightly but typically include information sharing, questions and answers with the teleclass leader, and some group discussion.
What are the benefits of participating in a teleclass?
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Take classes from the comfort and privacy of your own home or office – no fighting traffic and weather, or searching for parking spaces.
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Access a wider range of classes, including ones that might not be offered in your area otherwise.
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Interact with other instructors and other participants in the teleclass community.
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Format provides greater interchange between instructors and class participants by bringing out the collective knowledge and experiences of class participants.
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Format provides a safe and anonymous forum to explore topics that previously may have been intimidating to discuss with a health care professional or in a classroom setting.
What types of teleclasses are offered?
Teleclasses are offered on a wide range of health topics including chronic conditions, incontinence, migraines and weight management. Go to our schedule of classes for a full listing of teleclass topics.
How long are teleclasses?
Most teleclass sessions last 60 to 90 minutes. Some meet one time only while others meet weekly for 2-6 weeks.
Who conducts the teleclasses?
Teleclasses are led by a variety of health care professionals including certified diabetes educators, counselors, dieticians, health educators, nurses, nutritionists and Hill Physicians primary care physicians and specialists. Read more about our instructors.
What do teleclass leaders do about handouts?
Hill Physicians Member Health Improvement department mails teleclass materials to registered participants approximately one week prior to the first class session. Because materials often accompany teleclasses, advance registration is required.
How do I register for a teleclass?
Advance registration is required. You can register online or by calling Member Health Improvement at (800) 445-5747.
What is the appropriate teleclass etiquette?
Click here for teleconference information and phone etiquette tips.
I want to register at the last minute. How do I do that?
Because materials are often mailed to participants prior to the teleclass, at least three days advance registration is preferred. However, there may be alternate ways (for example, via fax or email) to get materials to you. Please call Member Health Improvement at (800) 445-5747 if you are interested in registering for a class that is less than three business days away.
My class starts tonight, and I lost my dial-in instructions. What do I do?
The dial-in instructions you received when you registered are very important because they contain the toll-free teleconference phone number, the conference code you need to be connected to the teleclass and important telephone etiquette information. If you registered online, your confirmation email will contain this information.
If you find that you have misplaced any of this information and it is during regular business hours (8 am to 5 pm), please call Member Health Improvement at (800) 445-5747. If it is after hours and you are unable to dial in, please leave a message letting us know when we can reach you, and we'll be glad to help you get registered for a later date.
How do I withdraw from a teleclass?
If you are registered and know ahead of time that you will not be able to participate in the class, you can cancel your registration in one of two ways. You can email us or call us at (800) 445-5747. Since classes are limited to 15 participants, your cancellation will allow us to accept a last minute registration or someone on a waiting list.
What is a teleconference number?
The teleconference number is the toll-free number you dial to connect to your teleclass. You will receive a teleconference number and dial-in instructions when you register. Dial the teleconference number at the start of your scheduled class time. You will be greeted by the teleclass leader and automatically connected with up to 15 other callers. The teleclass begins promptly at two minutes after the listed start time.
What is a teleconference line?
Teleconference lines allow many people to call one phone number to be connected to the same phone conversation – much like a conference call. You do not need special equipment to participate in a teleclass via a teleconference line.
Will I be charged for the call?
All teleclasses are offered at no charge to participants through our toll-free teleconference numbers. Without the toll-free teleconference number, you could incur 5-10 cents per minute long distance charges, making an hour class anywhere between $3-6.
Do I have to be a Hill Physicians member to participate?
Teleclasses are open to everyone, but we reserve the right to reserve spaces for our Hill Physicians members. If there is enough demand from the community for a class that has closed, we will schedule additional classes, depending on the availability of the teleclass instructor.
Do you have a question that was not answered here?
Contact Member Health Improvement.