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Anything is possible when you have the right mindset! As we take-off into another province-wide shutdown, here are our top 10 tips for how to make your at-home learning experience more efficient and enjoyable.
1) Ask your family for some privacy
Eliminate surrounding distractions to help your dancer be able to focus during their class. However parents of our junior dancers are expected to remain close by in case we need them to assist.
2) Find a special dance space for your child
Of course, not all of us have the luxury of private space right now, but family members, animals can be respectful of your teacher and classmates by staying quiet and out of the way.
3) Arrive early
Be sure to log into your Zoom class a few minutes early:
You need to go to the google schedule provided via email
‘Click’ on the class (day & time)
The link will appear
Click on the link
Wait for the teacher to welcome you into the meeting
Technology can be unpredictable, so you will want the extra time to get set up. In the event you are disconnected, please try again by clicking back onto the link. The teacher will be expecting you.
4) Prepare your "studio essentials" before class
Depending on the class your dancer is taking, they may need a barre, yoga matt, or a tap floor. These can also be substituted with a chair, towel, or plywood. Be sure to have this all prepared by the time the zoom meeting begins.
5) Wear proper dance attire
Although circumstances are strange, please dress for dance class as per usual. And remember your water bottle!
6) Keep a charger close by
Do not let a low battery keep you from participating!
7) Keep your camera on
Learning via zoom is not the ideal time to get camera shy. It's important for your teacher to be able to see you dancing in order to guide you and make corrections. Zoom classes are equally important as in-studio lessons, with regards to technical progression of skills. Good listening, focus and engagement are the expectations of the teacher.
8) Place your camera appropriately
The teacher must be able to view the whole student to observe barre, centre work and dances in full view.
9) Turn off your microphone
Muting your audio will prevent the background noises in your home from distracting the class. Thank you for thinking of others!
10) Provide feedback
If you are having trouble with an element of your Zoom education—the sound quality is poor, or the instructor keeps moving out of frame while demonstrating—communicate your concerns to your teacher. It is helpful for teachers to know what is and isn't working so they can make adjustments.
Zoom is a new educational tool for everyone. Remember, there are a lot of people involved in a Zoom dance class: you, your teacher, your classmates, plus the people with whom you are all social distancing.
We are all in this together!