Many craft industry instructors have switched from in-person teaching to in-studio teaching. Teachers and students alike are learning to navigate this new virtual workshop world on the fly, but some best practices are emerging. Let’s take a look at some things you can do to make sure your next virtual workshop runs smoothly and leaves students eager for more.

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Instruction

One of the first decisions you need to make is whether your workshop will be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous learning simply means that the teacher and students are in the same virtual space at the same time. The interaction takes place in real time as it would in person, in a classroom.

Platforms like Zoom, Skype, Facetime, WebEx and others can be used for real-time, face-to-face instruction for small or large groups.

With asynchronous learning, the instructor presents a video or other materials that the students can access on their own schedule. Back-and-forth communication between instructor and students is more limited. The student can ask questions and make comments, but there may be a lag between the time the question is asked and the instructor responds.

Platforms like Zoom, Skype, Facetime, WebEx and others can be used for real-time, face-to-face instruction for small or large groups.

With asynchronous learning, the instructor presents a video or other materials that the students can access on their own schedule. Back-and-forth communication between instructor and students is more limited. The student can ask questions and make comments, but there may be a lag between the time the question is asked and the instructor responds.

Platforms like YouTube, Craftsy, Creativebug, plus a number of online course platforms and learning management systems provide asynchronous instruction.

A hybrid model that includes both types of learning can also be effective. Think of a Facebook, YouTube or Instagram Live: the instructor teaches and responds to comments from viewers in real time and also perhaps after the livestream is over.

Studio Set-Up

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on your studio set-up, but there are some basics you’ll want to observe.

• A strong internet connection is important. Don’t rely on WiFi if you don’t have to; an ethernet connection is best.
• Two (or more) cameras will allow you to switch back and forth between your face and your hands. Depending on what you are teaching, you may want to have a close-up shot of your hands, as well as a mid-range or wide-range shot of a larger workspace. For starters, you can use the camera on your computer and a smart phone. Use the best cameras you have available, especially for any detail shots. You may want to invest in an additional webcam or document camera. If you do, make sure the refresh rate is sufficient to avoid choppy video.
• Adequate lighting is key. Shine the light on your face; a back-lit head is not your friend. Ensure adequate lighting on your workspace, as well. Ambient lighting will change with the time of day and even the weather. Check your lighting under different conditions and make adjustments as needed.
• If possible, use a wired headset for better audio.
• Backgrounds matter. Clean, uncluttered backgrounds are best for head shots, while well-lit, high contrast backgrounds may be best for hands-on shots. Watch for distracting shadows and annoying ceiling fans. Avoid virtual backgrounds if possible; they are usually more distracting than helpful.

Manage Student Expectations

Many students are new to this virtual learning model and they may not know what to expect or how to behave. It’s up to you to make them comfortable enough to learn effectively.

Communicate supplies and materials needed well before the workshop. Be very specific about supplies, remembering even the smallest items (scissors, needle and thread, specific type of yarn, pencil, paper for taking notes). Allow time for special materials to be ordered or gathered, and for any homework to be completed. If there is a handout, provide it in time for students to print it out. Send out a reminder about how to access the class and about having supplies handy. Refer them to articles to help prepare them for online learning.

Make sure each student knows the basics of how to use the platform. Do they need to be able to unmute themselves? Turn their camera on and off? Share their screen? Do you want students to ask questions as they occur, or do you prefer that they wait until you ask for questions? Do you want them to ask questions in a chat or Q&A space, or do you want them to raise their hands (either physically or virtually)? Do you want them to remain mute until you call on them?

What do you plan to cover, and how? If you need to see student’s work to give feedback, how do you want them to present it? Although it is nice to be able to see each student’s face and their reactions, some students may not be comfortable having their cameras on throughout the class.

Lesson Planning

I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but you really do need to plan your lessons specifically for virtual learning. Even if you’ve taught the same in-person workshop for years, you’ll need to make some changes.

Break down each lesson into smaller, easily digestible chunks. There’s a lot of non-verbal learning that takes place in person, but in a virtual space we don’t get those nonverbal signals. Think about how you would describe the steps to a blind person. Practice using your words.

The number of students you can handle and the length of the lesson may also need to change. Expecting students to pay attention to a screen for several hours at a time may be unreasonable. Consider breaking up a longer class into smaller parts or providing a long break between lessons.

At this point, the jury is still out on best practices for class lengths and class numbers. As more events go virtual, and as teachers and students become accustomed to online workshops, consensus may form around these issues.

Consider incorporating short videos, polls, breakout rooms, slide shows, and other resources to your presentation. However, don’t go overboard with media! Especially in a synchronous class, students are there to hear and see you.

With time and practice, you’ll adeptly meld technology set-up, lesson planning, and class management into a seamless online experience.

Go in-depth on these topics and more with Edie’s virtual workshop How to Teach Knitting & Crochet Online. It’s for fiber artists of all types, not just yarnies.