eCourses

I love teaching workshops, and travel around the country to do just that. But sometimes geography, timing, and other factors pose barriers for people who'd like to take those classes. Now, you can do that online! It's not quite the same as being in a room together, but it's a darn good substitute -- thanks in part to the outstanding contributions of the pilot group that tested New Age Looping Basics in January 2012. Click the photo below to go directly to the registration page for the next Basics class. Keep reading for more info on how eCourses work.

New Age Looping Basics eCourse with Donna Kallner will run September 11-November 1, 2012

The Basics course will run again this spring, and I'm working on additional courses to add over the next couple of years. If you'd like to be the first to learn about course offerings and other studio news, please join my email list by clicking this link.

How Does An eCourse Work?

My eCourses include video lessons, emailed PDF handouts, and a private course site for questions and student interaction. You don't have to be in the virtual classroom at a particular time: Sign in when it's convenient for you to watch the video lessons, or to post a question or comment. Watch the videos as many times as you want during the course. Use them to guide you as you sample techniques (it's great to be able to press "pause"). Each lesson includes suggestions for sample projects that reinforce your skills and help you learn to design projects of your own. On the course site you can post photos of your samples and projects, see what other students in the class have done, share ideas, and learn from the questions and comments posted by other people.

How Much Time Does It Take?

Each course will be different. The course description will tell you how many lessons it contains, at what intervals they'll be posted, approximately how much video instruction the lessons include, and how long the course runs. Time for sampling and projects will vary from student to student. Lesson postings include suggestions on what to focus on when time is tight, and include notations on what happens at various time markers in the videos to help you revisit specific lesson elements more quickly.

Can't I Just Buy The Videos And Study At My Own Pace?

I'm very proud of the materials I've produced, but decided to run courses rather than sell videos because the type of exchange that comes in a class is so beneficial for students. The opportunity to frame a question or hear another student's comment can elevate a lesson from instructive to illuminating. And as teacher, I know the value of delivering lessons in a logical progression with time between to integrate and incubate the material. (Your mother was right when she advised you to "sleep on it.") Beyond that, I know many recovering perfectionists benefit from a gentle nudge to stop ripping out imperfect stitches and move on to a next step, (where they're amazed at how much "better" their work looks). And I know many people who, when pressed for time, find a big goal easier to set aside than a series of small benchmarks you can celebrate with other people who are also challenged by time constraints but share your interests. Bottom line -- I want you to have a great experience, and I want to facilitate that.

Is An eCourse Right For You?

Some members of the pilot group admitted they were nervous about a digital interface before the class began. They also said they found it to be much easier than they expected. And their suggestions helped me make the course delivery even more relaxed now. But it won't be for everyone. Here are some things you should know.

• The class materials are available in English only.
• To access a class site, you must have a Google account. If you have concerns about Google and privacy, see this link for guidance on Google account privacy settings. Privacy expectations and etiquette for the course site are also clearly outlined in the class orientation.
• The teaching progression is designed to help you build a solid foundation of skills in much less time than it took me learning on my own. But videos, PDF handouts, and course site interaction are no substitute for hands-on practice. The same is true in a traditional class, but in an eCourse it's harder for the instructor to see who's not stitching and guess why.
• For some people, it's a challenge to block out time for learning unless they physically remove themselves from their usual environment. If that's you, you may feel more content in a traditional class where I start by closing the door and asking everyone to turn off their cell phones. However, if you'd still like to try an eCourse, I'm happy to write a note that "excuses" you from Facebook, returning texts and emails, and select household chores for a few hours each week.

How Do I Sign Up?

Enrollment is limited, and "seats" will be sold only in my Etsy shop. To purchase space in the upcoming New Age Looping Basics eCourse, go to this link to read the particulars, then click the large green button that says "Add to Cart". If you don't already have a free Etsy account, it only takes a minute to set one up. You can pay for the class with PayPal or with a credit card (Step 3a on this page shows how to complete your purchase. After you click the "Submit Order" button, you'll see a confirmation that your order is complete. Once I have the order, I'll send you a small kit of materials to get started in the class, an invitation to the course site, and information on when orientation materials will be sent and when the first lesson will be posted.

I hope to see you in a class, workshop or eCourse soon!

                                                -- Donna Kallner