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Here's a thread on how to teach a drama class online. More to come soon in a feature I've put together for @MethuenDrama. (1/10)
Whichever video communication service you use get to know it first. Play around with break-out rooms, mute buttons, and investigate all the functions. One useful function that creates an onstage/off stage effect is “hide other participant when video turned off”. (2/10)
Set class standards. Explain before the class that you expect them to dress appropriately, to be professional in the lesson, and also ask students to create a physical space for them to participate in the class, and state there is no sitting on beds. (3/10)
Students tend to lean toward using the class like a conference call, leaning into the camera, only showing their face. Break this notion straight away and get the group up on their feet and away from the camera. (4/10)
Now students are in a space with lots of random objects and clothes, they can take advantage and use this. Games can be played where students grab objects and use them. (5/10)
Treat the online class like you would an in person class. Explain the rules such as treating everyone with respect, zero tolerance with bullying, and that the drama class is a safe and supportive environment where every individual is encouraged to shine. (6/10)
You can put students into smaller groups in ‘breakout rooms’, this way students can rehearse pieces together, either scripts, or improvisation exercises. As the host you can drop into breakout rooms and see how they are getting on. (7/10)
Mute everyone when they join the class. If you don’t the time lag means you can get lots of out-of-time versions of your voice coming back at you. Participants can use the “raise hand” button or unmute themselves if they want to speak. (8/10)
Ensure you have a safeguarding policy. Firstly, take all the necessary precautions to ensure your online group chat service is private. After this online classes should abide by the same child protection, and safeguarding, policies you have for your in-person teaching. (9/10)
There are activities in my book '100 Acting Exercises for 8 - 18 Year Olds' that can be used in the online drama classroom.
I'm getting a lot of messages about how to teach during this difficult time and I'm so sorry that I don't have the time to reply to everyone. (10/10)
I'm getting a lot of messages about how to teach during this difficult time and I'm so sorry that I don't have the time to reply to everyone. (10/10)
