As AYS Raleigh continues to offer classes online through Zoom for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support your continued practice, I’ve put together some tips and FAQs to help you feel comfortable joining me online for classes, workshops and talks. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or problems that are not addressed here:
info@aysraleigh.com or 919-880-9409 (call or text)
To join an AYSR Online class:
Open a FREE Zoom Account - go to www.zoom.us and click on “sign up, it's free” in the upper right corner. Follow the prompts :-)
Login to Tula Software (our scheduling and payment software) - go to the Schedule & Payment tab at www.aysraleigh.com and click on “log in/create an account” just above the Class Schedule. Follow the prompts :-) Be sure to either “Login to Ashtanga Yoga School Raleigh” or “Create or Claim Your Account” using the email you’ve entered in the past. This is how you will receive the link to join the class.
Register for Class - On the Class Schedule, click “Sign up & Pay” for the class you’d like to join. If you have an active pass or membership, you won’t need to pay. You’ll just accept the waiver (a new step) and confirm your registration for class.
Join the Class - Click the “View Broadcast” option that will appear on the Class Schedule calendar entry for the class you’d like to attend. This will take you directly to Zoom and into the virtual classroom.
Some Tips for participating in an AYSR Online class through Zoom:
Logon Early -- the virtual classroom will open at least 15 minutes before the start time to allow for troubleshooting any technical difficulties, and setting up your mat and device.
Devices -- iPads, Laptops, Computers and TV screens are better for seeing the teacher (led classes). If you just want to hear the class count audio, a smartphone will work just fine.
Mat/Device Placement -- Set up your device at a slight angle and off to one side of the front of your mat...as if the teacher was standing at one corner of your mat. Try to set up the device either lower to the floor angled upward, or higher angled downward. I’m happy to help you with this once you are logged into your class.
Lighting -- The best scenario is a light source behind your device, but lights from the side or above are also fine. Try to avoid bright light coming from behind you as this will create a silhouette and it will be hard for the teacher to see your alignment.
Zoom FAQs:
Can I test my Zoom before taking a class:
Once you have a Zoom account, you can test out your audio/video here: www.zoom.us/test
Will I be seen in my house while I’m practicing?
It's up to you. When joining the classroom, you’ll have a choice to join with or without audio/video. Keep in mind, for mysore classes, the teacher will need to see your practice in order to help you with alignment and work with you and your practice. For led classes, this is less crucial, but you’ll get more from the class if the teacher can see you.
Can I change the view so that I can only see the teacher?
Yes, if you prefer that option, you would choose the “Active Speaker” view once you’ve entered the classroom. The “Gallery View” allows you to see the others in the classroom, and might be a nice option to help you feel more connected to the community :-)
Can I ask questions during class?
Before and after class is the best time for questions, as all students will be asked to mute their microphones once practice has begun. However, if you have a question you may unmute your microphone and ask. This is mostly for Mysore classes of course, and it may depend on the number of students in the class, and other factors.
Can you help me with technical issues?
I will do my best to answer your questions and troubleshoot. I feel like I’ve learned a lot recently about what to try if things go wrong :-) I would encourage you to try out the Zoom program using this link: https://zoom.us/test before joining your first class, and contact me info@aysraleigh.com or 919-880-9409 with questions. If something goes wrong during a class I’ll be limited in my availability to stop class to troubleshoot.
Payment:
In order to help us all stay connected, and ensure that we will be able to reopen when this is all over, our usual rates for Unlimited Monthly memberships, Passcards and Drop-in classes will continue to apply. These options are listed at the bottom of the Schedule & Payment page at www.aysraleigh.com If for any reason, you are not able to afford these rates, but still want to attend classes, please contact me at info@aysraleigh.com to arrange payment on a sliding scale or by donation through Venmo.