Challenges Of Video Interactive Delivery
Ever since classes were moved to the digital mode, I have been conducting my music classes online, on Zoom. The basic theory session on swara, śruti, and tāla went on uneventfully, barring some connectivity hitches here and there.
But the real challenge surfaced when it came to actual singing by the students. It is a minor course in music and most of the students are untrained. Each student has his/her own śruti. Managing individual pitches among a dozen students is next to impossible in an online class!
The time lag between the video and audio delivery in a conference call is not so much of a problem during discussions but it is a disaster during the music sessions. The logical solution was to go for individual online classes. This, however, stacks up the number of hours manifold. So, I took the following steps to facilitate maximum efficiency of the sessions.
1. Conducted classes on Skype since it was a better experience and also facilitated recording/sharing of sessions easily.
2. Segregated the class into groups based on student ability. This way each session included a maximum of three students, which is a manageable number.
3. A few individual classes were also squeezed in for those who need it.
4. Recorded material for each segment was distributed as per student requirement.
5. The duration and frequency of the sessions was adjusted as per the need of each student group.
6. Weekly tests and assignments were conducted and reviewed.
7. The online attendance of students was good. This may also be due to better planning of session timings for each group.
8. Since the students are attending from home, the families of the students are more informed and even involved, with their learning and progress.
As we learn more from experience and with fast tech updates, I believe we should be able to include online teaching in mainstream music education.
