Webinars  |    Webinar Etiquette   |  Webinar FAQ's 

How do I participate in a webinar? A webinar is similar to a teleclass, except there is also an Internet component added. While we are connected by telephone, you are also able to view something on your computer screen. The moderator of the call usually controls what is on the screen, and everyone else in the webinar can see what is on the moderator's screen. If the moderator chooses to pass the keyboard and mouse controls to someone else, that person can then control what everyone else sees. Depending on the size of the group, you may be asked to introduce yourself by first name and city you are calling from. Some teleclasses are more interactive than others. Usually you will have an opportunity to participate by making some comments or asking questions. If you prefer to be a silent participant, that's okay, too. How long is the webinar? Most classes are one hour. Some classes allow extra time at the end for questions. Please check the description for the webinar to confirm the length of the call. Will others be able to hear me during the webinar? Yes, everyone on the call can hear each other. Some bridge lines have a mute feature built into it, so sometimes the moderator can mute everyone by placing the webinar in "presentation" mode. Some bridge lines offer the ability for individual callers to mute themselves by pressing a key on their phone. Instructions for how to use those features are generally included in the pre-class instructions you'll receive. If the bridge line does not offer a mute feature, you may also mute your own phone if you have that feature built into your telephone. This is recommended if you have background noise that can be heard by others on the call. If I'm running late, can I still participate? That depends on the class. Some bridge lines provide a feature whereby the moderator can "lock" the line so others cannot call in after a certain time. If you are late, please enter the call quietly so you don't interrupt the flow. Also, be aware that you may have missed instructions. It's not fair to others who were on time to ask the moderator to repeat what was already covered.  What number should I dial? You will receive a confirmation e-mail after you register. The phone number is provided there. Depending on which class you take, there may also be instructions for how to prepare for the webinar. Be sure to read the instructions when they arrive so you are not caught unprepared just before the class begins. All participants dial the same telephone number at the scheduled time and connect automatically with the rest of the group. You will be able to hear each other. Why don't you offer a toll free number? Do I have to pay a long distance charge to participate? If the call is long distance (which it is for most people), you pay for the call because it is your way to arrive there - just as you would pay for the gas to drive to a seminar in your home town. In The Moment Computing does not profit from your long distance phone call in any way. There are no hidden charges -- only the charge from your own long distance provider. By the way, I have to pay for my own connection, too! If you don't get good rates with your long distance carrier. There are many excellent calling cards and long distance plans available. Please be aware that some cellular phone plans bring an echo onto the bridge line. If this happens when you dial in on a cell phone, you may have to mute your phone for the call to keep the echo off the line, or call back in on a land line. Can I put you on speaker phone so I don't have to hold the phone for an hour? Please only use your speaker phone if you can mute your phone. If you are not able to mute your phone, using the speaker phone feature generally allows for more background noises to be heard over the bridge line. This can be very distracting to the moderator and to other callers. If you have a headset, you can be hands-free and the background noises in your environment are much less likely to be heard by others. I notice you mention class notes. Can I get those before the webinar starts? In The Moment Computing always provides extensive class notes after the webinar has concluded. We provide the notes AFTER the class so participants are not flipping through paper and trying to read instead of listen. Our post-class notes are quite comprehensive. If you learn best by taking notes, then you might want to jot some things down during the class, even though it will probably be included in the class notes. If you decide to type your notes on a keyboard, please be mindful that some keyboards can be very noisy, and the noise will carry over the bridge line so everyone will be able to hear you type. Please familiarize yourself with our webinar etiquette recommendations before calling in. Top Please familiarize yourself with our webinar etiquette recommendations before calling in.