The College of New Caledonia's fine arts instructor Betty Kovacic is hosting virtual art classes using video conferencing program Zoom to adhere to social distancing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It worked very well," Kovacic said. "I could hear in their voices how glad they were to connect with each other and see everyone's artwork. Instead of discussing the art piece with just the student artist, the entire class was able to see, listen and be involved in that particular learning experience."
Kovacic's original method of reaching out to students saw her developing a schedule of required work to be done at home then students would email photos of their work during the process to her.
"It was okay, but it felt impersonal," Kovacic said. "People also couldn't see what other people were doing and learning from others is a huge part of the program."
Mary Reid, CNC fine arts student, said the most valuable part of the course for her was being with Kovacic and her fellow classmates as they created and discussed their work.
Hoping to bring that experience back while keeping true to physical distancing Reid presented Kovacic with the idea of using Zoom to gather everyone once again. The two ran a trial of the technology and it soon became the standard for the class.
"It was great to see everybody," Reid said. "Even though you're seeing everyone through a screen in their own spaces, you still feel like you're getting the benefit of being together."
COVID-19 has forced many aspects of life to go online and Reid thinks some of those will continue on past this pandemic.
"This time has opened a door to a new comfort with these communication tools," Reid said. "We're doing more of it because there are no other options at the moment. These programs have shifted from video conferencing technology to a way of life for people."
