This week I am giving you my findings as to the best way to present an online class. I have been doing much research and speaking to people who have done classes as to the pros and cons and of course you have all come up with some very useful and helpful information so thank you for that. Would appreciate it if you would come back with your thoughts on my thoughts………..
Basically there are two ways to do a class from a distance:
1. Quick workshop type classes where you will learn the basics. OR
2. Comprehensive classes where you will achieve a higher standard of embroidery.
I think my books, kits and the DVD have covered all the basics and provided you with plenty of projects to get on with, so have decided to go with option 2. What do you think?
In the old days we learnt via correspondence courses and this method still works well but now we have the option to interact and assess the work without actually putting it in the mail – i.e. can be done online. So it would be more like an online correspondence class. What do you think?
As we all well know one of the greatest challenges presented is to provide good high quality video clips using a webcam/other. If the videos are high definition then they take too long to download – if they are too short then not worth viewing. With needle painting it is virtually impossible to film a complete stitching session as each aspect takes too long to stitch so I have come up with a solution.
The student will receive an initial package in the post with a CD, printout and the materials for the class, which will be run over a 6 – 8 week period. The CD will include a Power point slide presentation of the full class with video clips incorporated – in other words you will click on that video clip and it will play immediately, no need for download. These clips will mainly be extracts from my DVD which are filmed in HD. But you will also have a printout instruction booklet so that you have the option to sit in your own chair away from the computer and stitch the project. What do you think?
Each week the student will have the option of uploading a photo of their work in progress onto a private hosting site for assessment and the critique will be emailed back. Each student will have their own private folder so no one else can view their work and a password to access this folder. The password/assessment facility will only be available for a set period of about 8 weeks but the student can continue work at their own pace and complete the project in their own time. What do you think?
All the student will need is Microsoft Power Point and some way of scanning or taking a photo of their work for assesment. Fabric with pre-printed outline, needles and a list of DMC/Anchor threads will be supplied – the student will have to provide threads and a frame/hoop. As I have to import the threads it is more cost effective to purchase your own. What do you think?
The course will be aimed at ALL LEVELS from beginner through to intermediate – the student will learn the basics, materials, preparation, designing a project, composition, stitching, adding details and completion. The class will be split into one step for each week and accompanied by large step by step photos and hints. I am working on a project that includes all these aspects. What do you think?
You can stop thinking now! Have a great week and keep smiling. Trish