Classes are scheduled in six week units.
Classes are 90 minutes in length unless otherwise noted. Please join the classes no more than 1-2 minutes early, and please be on time. All classes will start at the posted times.
To call in, dial the confidential class phone number and when prompted, dial in the confidential code you are given. You will be connected to the class. A beep is heard as each student enters the class.
If the class uses a handout, these will be emailed or postal mailed to each registered student. If a book is part of the class, students are responsible for acquiring their own copies. In some cases, required readings may be available through the ALEPH Resources Catalog (to view all items currently in the Catalog, click here > )
The classes are conducted through a state-of-the-art audio conferencing line. All participants will be able to talk. For this reason, class size is limited. We request that "land-line" phones only be used to minimize background noise, static and echoes.
Fees are to be paid directly to ALEPH Bet Midrash. Instructions will be included in the registration email. Refunds for cancellations will be made according to the guidelines in the registration email, only. Refunds will not be made in the event of student absences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS A TELECLASS?
It's simply a phone call that connects participants with a whole new realm of learning and information without the inconvenience, time, or expense of traveling to a central site t o attend class. Participants can call from their office, home, or from anywhere there is a telephone. The process is simple. Participants merely dial the "teleconference number" for the class, enter the class PIN when prompted, and are automatically connected with up to 30 other callers. Teleclasses are one of the most fun, simple, and hassle-free ways to experience distance learning.
HOW ARE TELECLASSES DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL CLASSES?
When people attend traditional lectures or seminars, the expectation is that the teacher/seminar leader will talk "at" the group. When people use the phone, the expectation is to have a two-way conversation. This is the true power of the teleclass format -- the teleclass leader creates a fun, interactive environment, where the primary goals are to provide participants with proven strategies for success as well as to ""bring out the wisdom of the group". Thus, participants benefit not only from the leader's expertise, but from the comments and experiences of other class participants as well.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS?
* Take classes from the comfort and safety of your own home--no fighting traffic and weather, or searching for parking spaces.
* The ability to take a wide range of classes--ones that might not be offered in your part of the world.
* Interact with other people in the TeleClass Community--leaders and students.
* Allows a greater interchange between both instructors and class participants -- i.e. brings out the "collective wisdom" of class participants.
DO I NEED SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO TAKE A TELECLASS?
No special knowledge, skill, or equipment is needed to join a TeleClass listed on our site -- just a phone in a quiet location.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
1. Current Fees are $125 per six-week class unless otherwise noted. There are 3-4 six week sessions per year. A minimum annual membership in ALEPH ($36) is required of all students.
2. On your phone bill, you will see just regular, long distance charges for dialing to the New York (212) area where the teleconference is located. (A typical "5 cents a minute program" make an hour class about $3.00. In most cases, this is less than the cost of driving to campus).
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GENERAL TELECLASS INFORMATION AND PROTOCOLS
Using an automated teleconference line may be a new experience for some people. We've found the following instructions and tips work well.
HOW TO CALL INTO THE TELECONFERENCE LINE
1. Put your dogs, kids, and/or staff in another room. Please make this call where you will not be interrupted.
2. Pick up your phone.
3. If you have call-waiting, please disable it first by dialing *70 and waiting for the dial tone.
4. Dial the assigned teleconference number at the scheduled time.
5. When prompted, key in the class PIN code (with a # at the end).
6. Do not call more than 1-2 minutes early; you may call a few minutes late.
7. Say nothing until you are welcomed (everyone else hears a little beep so they know someone has just dialed in) by your call leader or the group.
8. Please don't call the teleconference number you've been given at any other time than during your scheduled time. There is no one "there" at the teleconference number.
9. The system is totally automatic--there is no Operator.
TIPS FOR CALLERS
1. Use a land line--the teleconference lines have severe problems when someone makes a computer/Internet based call.
2. Only use 900 MHz portables and stay close to the base to avoid static
3. Please do not use speaker phones because of both feedback and blockout.
4. Please avoid cell phones because of the static and potential for "cross talk."
5. If you are in an office and are interrupted, please do not put the call on "HOLD". Background music used on many hold systems will interfere with classes. If you have to leave the call, hang up and call back as soon as you can rejoin.
6. If you're using a headset, make sure it's close to your mouth so everyone can hear you.
7. If you have a two-line phone or other phones in your room/office, TURN OFF all ringers before calling in.
8. Don't breathe into the mouthpiece. It's comical, but disruptive.
9. On your phone bill, you will see just regular, long distance charges for dialing to the New York (212) area where the teleconference is located.
