Technical Guidance for Remote Learning at Home

The following guidelines apply to both our Foundations of Studio Practice Online, as well as for our Portfolio Prep Program Online (P3.O)

In order for your youngster to participate in our Foundations of Studio Practice Online, they will need to have the following electronic devices and work conditions. The electronic devices listed are absolutely essential. Inability to work with these devices will prevent your youngster from being able to participate. 

  1. A COMPUTER and ONLINE CONNECTION

Your youngster will need a computer with Webcam capabilities and our video conferencing software, namely Zoom. Many students are already using this program for school, so it is likely already on their computers. But if they have not, or you are unsure, you will need to download the application on the computer they will be using. Also, be sure to test the software to make sure that the camera and audio are working on their computers.

  1. A MOBILE PHONE with CAMERA

Your youngster will need a cell phone with a camera nearby for sharing images of unfolding work via text messaging. The phone will also be used to communicate with our support staff in case your youngster loses connection, or has any technical difficulties with the video conferencing software. Once your youngster has been slotted for class, you will receive the phone number to our technical support to save in your phones. 

  1. A SAFE WORKSPACE

Kindly ensure that your youngster has access to a clean, smooth workspace. Keep no food or liquids in the immediate vicinity. Be sure to first wipe down the area to remove any residues, and then dry thoroughly. Any moisture or gunk can easily damage or ruin artwork.

  • Your youngster’s work station will need to be a quiet space, away from noises and distractions.
  • Your youngster will need ample working surface to place their work, model, and materials. Consider a minimum of four feet long and three feet deep.
  • Your youngster will need to work with controlled, direct lighting. The typical lighting in a room might not suit our needs for seeing and studying our models. It is best to use a table-top directional lamp that can be placed nearby, but slightly at the edge of their work station. If possible, the table-top directional lamp should be to the left of the artist if they are right-handed, and to the right of the artist if they are left-handed. This will keep their arms or hands from casting shadows over their work. Please set-up the lamp for your youngster, supervise the youngster, and clarify your house rules for handling electrical appliances.
  • Your youngster will need to sit higher at the workspace than when sitting at a table to eat, and be able to look down at their work. This will mean either using a lower table or a higher chair. If needed, they can use cushions or pillows to adjust their height in their seats. However, a child should not sit so high as to risk being top-heavy, and taking a tumble. If their feet do not reach the floor in this scenario, they also will need something to rest their feet on, both for comfort and safety.
  • Once the workstation is set up, your youngster will need to position their computer at an angle and distance that allows us to see both the practitioner and the workstation. Please see the photo below for an example scenario. 

  1. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, SUPERVISION

Studio work is process work. We will have a trained Coach operating as Safety Officer, and keeping a close eye on safety while our online classes unfold. We kindly ask that, at home, your youngster receive competent adult support and supervision during class prep, during the actual class, and during class take-down, as we can no longer exercise the intense supervision that live studio once allowed us.

THANK YOU!