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After nearly a year of running workshops online, I've decided that I won't be going back to the old way of doing things.
Running classes online can be WAY better than in-person. Here’s why:
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Running classes online can be WAY better than in-person. Here’s why:
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1/ Size: 50 or 500 people - it doesn't matter online. Zoom makes everyone feel they're sitting directly in front of the speaker.
You can have massive zoom classes without deterioration in audience experience;
You can have massive zoom classes without deterioration in audience experience;
2/ Space: presenter & students can be anywhere in the world. You’re not limited to people who must be in the same room as the speaker.
This is a HUGE deal - it makes classes on ultra niche subjects viable that otherwise wouldn’t be due to lack of people in one place;
This is a HUGE deal - it makes classes on ultra niche subjects viable that otherwise wouldn’t be due to lack of people in one place;
3/ Breakout rooms: breakout rooms enable even the largest groups to be broken up into groups small enough to meaningfully interact.
I use breakouts every 20 mins to discuss what was just presented. Keeps it fun, helps people socialise & cements learning;
I use breakouts every 20 mins to discuss what was just presented. Keeps it fun, helps people socialise & cements learning;
4/ Chat: the secret weapon of online teaching. It enables interaction you can't have in live classes. I love being able to see questions & comments in real time - it's like telepathy with the audience. Also enables feedback as you speak & you get a useful transcript after;
5/ Polls: being able to ask the audience a question in realtime and for everyone to see the results immediately is brilliant;
6/ Recordings: every online class should be recorded so that people can watch later in their own time. Massively expands the reach & impact of the lesson. Why shouldn't those who missed it or couldn't attend not be able to catch up later? Let's start treating students as adults;
7/ Convenience & cost - I haven't calculated how much time and money has been saved in not traveling/commuting this year but we're talking a vast amount. Save CO2, time, money & personal energy - a no-brainer.
8/ I'd love to hear what others think, but online is not the poor second cousin to live teaching that everyone assumes. Time to embrace it. END
