In the winter months in Portland it rains. It rains a lot! As we said in our last article, true Oregonians don't mind the rain. We in Portland find fun things to do in the rain. For those who are new to Oregon, the gray skies and wet weather can cause seasonal depression, or boredom because they feel like their stuck inside.
According to Post-It-Science a leading Brain Science and Research team, cognitive training helps recovery from suspected depression. Cognition is the process of thought, and information processing. Taking a class is one way to keep the mind active. There are all types of classes all over the world, but here in Portland many life coaches are using a system called Tele-classes.
What are Tele-classes? A Teleclass is a live, interactive workshop that is conducted over the telephone like a conference call. The delivery system is called a bridge line. There are new services popping up all over the World Wide Web.
The service allows the coaches to deliver the classes at very low costs, if they choose. However, not all Tele-classes are free or local. Some coaches charge thousands of dollars for their class. While others may ask that you purchase class books, CD's or workbooks. These products are often sold prior to the class just like a college course.
Additionally, the participant may have to pay long-distance charges as determined by each caller’s long-distance carrier. If the caller has a nationwide long-distance plan, is using a cell phone or most popular VOIP services, the Tele-class will likely cost them nothing to call. Also, if you use a local life coach, no long-distance charges apply.
Since this is such a new concept to many people, some etiquette tips might be useful.
The following guidelines have been provided to enhance your Tele-class experience and ensure the call environment is kept clear and functional for all participants.
** Create a Quiet Space **
** Minimize Distractions **
** Keep Class Materials At Hand **
Using a "landline" phone with a headset system is the best-case scenario. It is not recommended to use hands free speakerphones.
When using SKYPE, or other voice over Internet protocol systems it is best to use a headset system.
It is not recommended to use a computer with a built in microphone, and external speakers. These create a "feedback loop" - an echoing sensation in the call.
When using a prepaid calling card, make sure you have ample minutes. Callers will most likely hear any warnings such as “you have one minute left”, plus you will have to disconnect and reconnect if you run out of time.
If you have call waiting, disconnect it before calling. Check with your service, for most phone services the feature it is *70.
If you use a cordless phone, stay close to the base to avoid static.
I can feel people getting smarter already!
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