Hello all!
Well, I have really approached online learning reluctantly, but here we are. I had 5 classes of the Home theme to go when we were all asked to start social distancing.
Eight classes with almost forty families! What to do? I quickly bundled up the remaining crafts and was able to distribute them via pick up and post.
Originally, I planned to do one live class via Zoom and record it for those who couldn’t attend. After tinkering with the technology over the weekend, I realized what a challenge this might become, so I hastily recorded the class for families to watch at their leisure, instructing them to gather props from their home (clothes, food, toy cars, etc).
If you would like to see what I put together, please click this link – https://vimeo.com/402043845/b0943262d7
I purchased lighting for $40 on amazon as well as an external microphone for my laptop for the recording. The feedback I have received is that the volume was still too low on some of their devices, so I will try to do the recording in a smaller room with better acoustics for next week’s lesson.
I did host the Zoom session and played a game (mystery bag with objects they already know) and tried to read a topical book. It was fun seeing their faces but it was too many and then the internet service for my entire neighborhood went out during the book reading time. What a bummer. The feedback I received was that the connection was choppy and there were too many faces. I had intended to record the session, but failed there as well. 🙁
I do intend to finish the session out with recorded classes but would like to continue the live online element via Zoom. Should I set up a sign-up genius for families to schedule one-on-one time with me via Zoom or should I hold a short session for each of the 8 classes during their regularly scheduled class time? I’m on the fence here.
I would appreicate your feedback on the above if you are reading this!
This is an uncertain time and we are all out there trying to figure things out as we go. I am so happy to have this forum to exchange ideas.
Thank you to everyone who has posted here. I look forward to more input from others!
Best,
Barbara Mills