How art teachers are adapting to online classes

Creating art work is a one-person job, but learning art often involves physical materials, group activities, and even audiences - requirements that aren't easily met online. Art teachers all over the country have come up with new, creative ways that encourage students to create even when campuses are closed. 

How art teachers from schools adapted to online 
Art teachers at schools had to adapt quickly during school closures. Most of them created and Instagram pages, apart from using the Google and other online tools that the school provided. Some of them even opened YouTube channels to help kids understand art processes and techniques by watching how-to videos by their teachers. Art teachers are also very encouraging about live interaction as that creates the warmth and scope for individual attention that is so needed while doing something creative. They also asked students to share their work with friends on social media.   

Teachers used to tools for better structured courses  
Digital tools and apps have helped many art teachers to create more structured schedules and lesson plans, and many admit that they will continue using these tools even when they return to the classroom. Enrolment in online art courses is also very high as these courses have very good instructors, enough scope for individual attention and follow a level-by-level progression model. 

Teachers used innovation and DIY methods   
Instead of focusing on skill-based and traditional genre-based assignments, some teachers looked for ways to encourage creativity and engagement.  

So when students did not have clay, chart paper or an easel, they were encouraged to use household material, found objects, old newspapers, packing boxes etc. The results have been surprisingly creative and even aesthetic, as we see by the student generated art and craft boom on Instagram.  

Self-paced learning for serious students 
Many art courses, especially at advanced levels, are flexible about timing. Students who actually want to take up art as a profession do not lack motivation, but often lack time. Online instructors set them project parameters instead of deadlines. This is a big boon for students, especially those in high school.