Due to this COVID-19 outbreak, we have shifted majority of our classes online. We've received some questions from teachers and parents regarding how to setup your computer or mobile device (tablet or smartphone) to make your child's learning experience the most conducive.
For Parents/Students
1. Download Skype or Use Facetime
I personally use Skype so that I can use my online classroom (with multiple cameras and angles), but not every individual has Skype downloaded on their device. I use Facetime on iOS device and forego my online classroom in that instance.
2. Angle your device appropriately
Have your device in selfie mode and angled such that the teacher can see the student's hands and posture, and the student can see the teacher should they need to demonstrate something. See the picture below for reference.
For guitar, ukulele or voice students, place the phone directly in front of the student. Voice students should be standing, guitar/ukulele students may sit.
The device camera should capture the students upper torso (voice) or hands (guitar/ukulele) - see following picture
3. Make sure your internet connection is strong and secure
Do test your internet connection and try to sign on a little earlier to make sure you give yourself time to fiddle around with settings. You'd be surprised, but using your phone connection as opposed to WiFi sometimes gives you better results.
4. Sign on during your class and have a great time!
For Teachers
I will write a more detailed post on how to actually conduct an online class. The focus on this post is to show you how to set up your device to conduct your class.
1. Download Skype/Use Facetime
The very basics would require you to own a mobile device with Facetime/Skype capability.
2. Have your instrument in front of you
Sounds silly, but you should have your instrument (keyboard, guitar, ukulele, etc) in front of you so that you can demonstrate playing certain lines of music. Demonstration is very important in this instance, since you won't physically be present to show them how to play music.
3. Angle your device appropriately
For basic setups, you can simply use your phone in selfie mode (first picture below). Switch over to the back camera (second picture below) when you need to demonstrate how to play certain lines of music which may be difficult to verbally describe. Some students are visual learners as well, so it would be easier for them to see you play and learn via imitation.
4. Make sure your internet connection is strong and secure
Do test your internet connection and try to sign on a little earlier to make sure you give yourself time to fiddle around with settings. You'd be surprised, but using your phone connection as opposed to WiFi sometimes gives you better results.
5. Sign on during your class and have a great time!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Good luck and stay healthy!
Practice hard,
Ms Tammy