This week I’ve been in Seattle teaching a couple of workshops for CreativeLIVE.com. If you’ve never seen a CreativeLIVE class before, you should really check it out! Basically they produce live online classes on a variety of different subjects (photography, design, development, etc.) and they broadcast it via Ustream around the world.
I was somewhat nervous on the first day, simply because I have taught classes both online and in person, but I’ve never really done them simultaneously. Oddly enough, I loved it! The combination of interaction between a live in-studio audience and a worldwide online classroom is exactly what this instructor needed. Doing a class live like this keeps you honest and really allows the audience to drive the tone and conversation of the course. There’s also an element of realism that you get as instructor in a live environment versus a recording booth. I’m never happier than when I’m in the booth, don’t get me wrong… But (and my wife will tell you this) when I’m in the booth I put on my “instructor voice” and seem to lean more towards a polished and/or professional approach. During this live workshop however, many people (wife included) said that it was like I was being human again. I guess the interaction from the audience and seeing an actual face in front of me instead of a microphone really has a profound effect on a guy… Who knew?!?
