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Telecourse Frequently Asked Questions
What is a telecourse? How does it work?
What are the advantages?
Do I need a computer or a special phone?
What about visual and practical learning?
Are there any other costs?
Where do I find the best rates for phone service?
How do I get help?
What is a telecourse? How does it work?
Telecourses are teleconferenced groups, seminars, meetings, classes, telephone chats and other sessions. Participants are given a normal domestic USA phone number when they register for the course. At the scheduled time, participants simply dial the number from any regular phone and are connected to other caller-participants in an audio conferencing "room." All participants can hear and speak with the instructor, and with each other.
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What are the advantages?
Convenience: participants can call in from anywhere in the world.
Low cost: because there are no travel expenses or lost travel time, telecourses can be much less expensive than in-person classes.
International scope and diversity: the current range of inexpensive telephone rates worldwide make it economical for participants and teachers from all over the world to work with each other in real time.
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Do I need a computer or a special phone?
All you need is a regular phone--no computer or special equipment is needed. Some telecourses have optional e-mail discussion groups associated with them, and if you wish to participate in these, all you need is a standard e-mail address.
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What about visual and practical learning?
Surprisingly, telecourses can provide a truly multi-modal learning experience. Courses often including lecture, discussion, questions and answers, follow-along illustrated handouts, and guided exercises. Supplementary off-line study can add paired or small group telephone meetings for exercises, practice, etc. Courses and subject matter are carefully designed to insure the best possible use of this exciting learning medium.
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Are there any other costs?
Your class fee covers tuition and the cost of the teleconference. Depending on your location, your call-in number might be long distance, and so your normal long distance charges would apply. In the USA and Canada, discount long distance service can start at just $2.40 per hour; international calls to the USA range from $5-$12 per hour for many countries. Participants can optionally take advantage of predial, internet telephony or callback services to make their call free or very inexpensive. See below for sources of inexpensive telephone service.
When a telecourse uses handouts, they are available as a free internet download. If you prefer, these can be mailed or faxed to you for a small handling fee.
Continuing Education Credits: If NCBTMB CEU's are offered for your telecourse, they included in your course fee. Many telecourses are also eligible for CE credit with other institutions. Some of these, such as the Rolf Institute, may charge an additional fee for their CEU's.
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Where do I find the best rates for phone service?
This information is provided as a service to our students and clients--advanced-trainings.com has no connection to any of the services listed and receives no compensation from them. If you have feedback about any of these listings, or you know of a resource that should be listed here, please contact us today.
Search for the best domestic long distance rates:, www.BestRateCalc.com or www.SaveOnPhone.com
Search for the best international rates to the USA from abroad (direct dial, pre-code, callback, and internet telephony): www.BestRateCalc.com/istudents.htm
Pre-dial rate comparisons (USA and international): www.10-10phonerates.com
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How do I get help?
Telecourse problems are rare, but if they do occur,
- Double-check the time, time zone, and number of the call. The vast majority of problems are solved by following this step. You can calculate your local time by going to www.WorldTimeServer.com
- Your telephone carrier may be busy--try another long distance provider by dialing a different pre-code. A list of alternative pre-codes is available on our Telecourse Info page.
- If you've called in late and the number is repeatedly busy (and you've tried other pre-dial codes as per above), the course may be full.
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More useful tips are available at Information for Teleconference Participants
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