Online Classes

I have taught classes on my forum, and other teachers as well. All have been successful. One Brazilian class was $70 per student, so I know that money is no object. What is an obstacle is getting the word out. Other forums, RCTN are good ways to advertise.

If you're interested, give me a holler and I can explain how to go about it. It's really quite simple for the teacher. I do the technical stuff and do not charge for this service.

Dianne

You will need very good charts and video to demonstrate with.

The problem I can see is that no one can say "Does this look right?" or "Can you take a look at this and tell what I'm doing wrong?" which is a huge part of the class experience for students. They can only describe what their stitching looks like which might be hard for the teacher to picture in their mind. And people use different terms and have different notions as to what some words mean - like 'snug'.

Unless you have video - and downloadable pictures of what a properly/improperly done stitch looks like, for example - and plenty of time and staff to answer questions, there is no reason for a student to pay for the class. Not really. They could just get a book from the library and get the same thing out of it.

Video is not necessary. Most people who need other types of learning, such as hands on, do not take on-line classes. EGA has on-line classes that are extremely successful. I have taught my courses there at least three times.

Good close-up photos usually resolve these issues. On-line classes usually are done on a forum, so lots of questions get asked and answered. It is the responsibility of the teacher to be on-line and check for questions at least once a day. You'd be amazed at how few questions are asked. And photos/scans can be sent by participants as their work progresses.

That's part of teaching. Same thing can be said for a magazine article on a new technique, i.e. smocking. You'd be amazed. Most people have a pretty good idea of what these terms mean. And most people who have learning difficulties, or have never tried to learn from a book or magazine, usually don't sign up for these classes. That doesn't mean there's not a market for them. I'd do many more if there were interested teachers. I know a woman who has a group on Yahoo and she teaches Hardanger there. She studied in Norway. I purchased a kit from her and when I had a question, I emailed her and she answered.

Not necessary at all

- and downloadable pictures of what a

That's a given. Pictures on the web are downloadable.

Plenty of "staff?" That's a stretch, me thinks. I've not had that experience at all, nor have teachers who have taught on my forum.

It's a group experience. Participants chat between themselves about their progress. They help each other. There's also someone knowledgeable there to answer questions. You can post pictures to see if you're on the right track. You can view close ups so that you can see what it should look like.

Not at all the same. I guess you've never bothered to take an on line class. Kay Montclaire (I think that was her last name, she is now deceased) was an expert embroiderer and she taught many on line classes. Perhaps it just doesn't appeal to you, but your post was extremely negative.

Dianne

But that's you. I accept that. I hate to think you treat your customers like that.

I don't think that Dianne's response to your post was in any way negative and it was spot on! I've taken several on line classes, not from Dianne but other designers, and they used the methods she described.

If you want to see an example of a good, simple Cyberclass take a look at the free class offered on the Victoria Sampler's website.

does use a Cyberangel to help with classes but if the class is well written with lots of photos very little extra help is needed. Mavia

I have taken them. And this was an issue that came up among the students I was corresponding with so I mentioned it so the original poster could consider it. She'll do what she wants with it.

explorer wrote: > Not at negative as yours or your constant assumption that everyone else is

Because I am being positive about on line classes you consider that I think others are beneath me? That's a stretch. Why the meanness toward me and the negativity toward on line classes? Have you ever tried one?

Dianne

explorer wrote: > I have taken them. And this was an issue that came up among the students I

No, your post was not simply something to consider. It was extremely negative toward on line classes. To such an extent that anyone reading it would have thought it was a waste of time/money. You may have put doubts in a lot of people's minds about their value. If they were a waste, then persons like Montclair and organizations like EGA would not bother with them. They would be getting too many complaints and that would be the end of that.

Dianne

Explorer,

I asked the question to find out what I need to do to run a proper online class without igniting a fight, because someone needs to vent about all the negatives. I have heard and read that these classes are a success, and I believe it is a good thing to do. Problems with individual students can always be addressed, we are in a digital age with digital cameras or scanners. If necessarypictures of a piece can be emailed, if the student believes she or he has done something wrong or got stuck.

I don't need staff to deal with it, except I raise to the level, where I will teach 3 classes with lots of students at the same time. I agree with Dianne, those who are not made for this type of learning, won't do it. Same with other distance education: those who do need a real class room environment and a real teacher won't do distant education. Everyone is different, and I also accept this for online classes. There will of course be rules how it works, but there is always the room for individual attention.

Writing instructions for an embroidery piece is a challenge. Have you ever had to do it? Sometimes I'm more than glad for the fantastic editors at E&CS. You have to learn to think with other people's heads, you can't just assume that they think like you or know how you did it, because you missed an explanation for a certain stitch or step in the embroidery. Same with online classes.

In regards to Dianne, I have only met her recently, but I can't complain about her not caring or being above others. Her responses to me, also privately, have been very lovely so far. She is very helpful.

Hi Mavia,

thanks for your response. I just had a short read through the provided link. Very helpful. I have bookmarked it, so I can read through it a little bit more thoroughly later.

Happy stitching Sibille

I am happy for you that she has treated you well. But I don't consider taking someone's post apart line by line to tell someone they are wrong and this is what you should be thinking is kind or respectful. I also find it very arrogant.

A simple "I disagree. In my experience, this is what was needed and worked well...." says the same thing without the attitude.

I was relating my experiences from classes I have taken and from comments from other students who had a lot of trouble but were afraid to say something for fear of hurting the teacher's feelings. As you have said yourself - seeing the experience from many different angles will only make your classes better and you a better teacher, if only to make you aware of other peoples needs and wants that may not have occurred to you.

I have taken online classes. A couple were great, some okay, and a couple of them were terrible. The difference in the experiences had everything to do with organization, presentation and availability of help.

I hope you have a great class. And if it's not -- I am sure you will learn alot in the experience and be able to iron out the wrinkles and have great classes in the future.

Good luck to you.

I'll take the high road.

Dianne