Three Mindsets for Virtual Learning

…how I’ve adapted to virtual education and performance

For the most part, technology is noise…

Over all that noise, make sure you focus on what is truly important first. Your craft. Of course you want to make sure the technology is up to par and giving an accurate representation of you, but you need to do the work now more than ever. As a performer & teacher, you’re basically under a microscope on camera. Details matter and you have to give more energy than you normally would in a room with someone.

There are pros/positives/perks...

Not everything about this is awful. This is not what we want forever, but being able to teach remotely has its perks. You can light a candle in your workspace. You can put flowers next to your computer. You can sit in your favorite chair during lectures. You can drink tea from your favorite mug in class. There are simple pleasures of “working from home” and we’re just stealing our own joy when we overlook that. Not to mention, it’s time to adopt at least some gratitude for the fortune of the situation. My professor pointed out to me, the other day, that even just thirty years ago in the 90s, none of this “virtual learning” would’ve been possible.

Virtual interaction is still human interaction…

It’s so important to remember people are happy to see you virtually too. I start every zoom call with, “it’s so wonderful to see you.” And if it’s been a while, I honestly say, “I missed you.” When I offer a little bit of vulnerable connection it is usually returned and we’re all better for it. Learning, performing, teaching—it’s all a human experience, whether it’s virtual or in person. Don’t let technology win in making us less real, less human.