How do our Online Classes work?

Learn, practice techniques, and build community from the comfort of your home or office. Our online class instruction, content, and format is identical to our in-person classes: we gather together in a warm and supportive setting for live, real-time, interactive practice with mindfulness.

Getting Ready for your First Online Class

In preparation for your upcoming Live Online Mindfulness Class, you must do the following well in advance of the first meeting. These suggestions are based on past experience and are offered to help make your class experience as smooth and beneficial as possible:

Before Class 1, please do the following:

1. Read all previous emails carefully and follow all instructions related to using Zoom.  Click here for the Zoom System Requirements page.
2. Get a Zoom Account. If you don't already have a Zoom account, please get one (a free one is all you need and you can get it at www.zoom.us or by using the classroom link in your confirmation email.) Please use your real first and last name for the account name as it will work like a name tag when we all meet in class.
3. Use a device with the largest screen possible. A laptop or desktop with a mic and camera work best.  A large tablet also will work; a phone will not.
4. Download the Zoom app to your device if you haven't already. (You will be prompted to do this when you click on the classroom link in your confirmation email).
5. If you have a Zoom account already, please make sure the account name includes your full name. If you need to edit it, here's how:
   1. Log into Zoom online at www.zoom.us (or open the app up on your device and click on the "settings" gear icon in the upper right, then click on "Advanced Features", and then click on "Edit my Profile" and skip to item "D" below).
   2. Click on “Profile” on the left-hand menu.
   3. Click the “Edit” link that is to the right of your account name and account number.
   4. Input your real first and last name.
   5. Click “Save Changes.”
6. In order to facilitate the best classroom experience, all students are expected to have their video turned on. Test your audio and video. You can find that under the Settings button. Once you go to Settings, there is a menu item for “audio” and one for “video” and each one will let you test your device.  NOTE: It is important to test both your mic and your speaker under the audio tab.

This tech stuff can be challenging the first time or two! If you’ve never used Zoom before, we encourage you to join the first class 15 minutes early. Your instructor or another staff person will be in the Zoom room 15 minutes before your first class meeting. 

When you get into the Zoom room and see other faces, practice unmuting, saying hello, making sure you’re seen and heard, and muting again.

Many people have concerns or tech challenges at first, but we are always able to get them worked out so the online classroom works well for everybody.

Troubleshooting

If you're having trouble with Zoom, check out these help pages:

My Video/Camera Isn't Working

How Do I Test My Video?

How Do I Change the Video Layout?

Best Practices Every Time you Log In

• Arrive a few minutes early so that your technology is ready to go, allowing class to start and end on time.
• Find a private space that ensures quiet and confidentiality.
• Put your device on a stable surface so others have a clear, steady image of you.
• Confirm that you can be seen and heard by others, and that you can see and hear others.
• Always remain muted unless it's your turn to speak.
• Have fun! Enjoy the ability to connect with far-flung folks through this amazing (and occasionally maddening) technology.