Learning in active courses such as studio arts and performing arts requires specialized equipment or spaces and is based on action. These activities will not translate easily to the online environment. Here are some suggestions:

  • Consider projects that can use a “kitchen table studio”- projects that draw on found or easily-available-at-home materials. Keep in mind that for the two weeks (current plan; through April 3) of remote teaching and learning, most students will not have any materials you may have given them or they may have purchased. Most will not have returned to campus after break (they have been asked to avoid this) and so they likely have limited academic materials with them.
  • Create a video demo using Panopto.
  • Do synchronous or asynchronous critique: You could host critique in Zoom.
  • Solo work: While videotaped performance (acting, dance, musicianship) is not equivalent to face to face, if you are able to create solo exercises (for example, a dramatic monologue or solo), students can record and share—and critique can be done via Zoom or with written assignments.
  • Consider having students review and critique completed works that they did not perform themselves.
  • Background or preparatory work: If there is some relevant background reading or research that supports or informs an art project or performance, you could assign this as group reading and discussion (see above) or as a short, independent project or group project.