Note for Teachers
Hello to all teachers and future teachers! This is a note to help you understand how things work with the online classes.
Classes are given to students in pdf format. Most students that I've polled prefer the pdf format. This format can only be done for you if you include all your class in the forwarded files to me. (graphics/jpgs inserted where they belong) and must be done in Microsoft Word or Microsoft Powerpoint. If you do not send graphics already in the text, not to worry, just put little notes in the text (centered, no text around them please) such as "Insert arm2.jpg here" and send me your graphics in separate emails with the exact names of the "pictures" on them (i.e. arm2.jpg, arm3.jpg, arm4.jpg). If you have any questions about this, just email me and I'll be glad to explain more for you.
Use lots of graphics/drawings/pictures. This helps most students and since you are not there in person, this is the best bet they will understand what you are trying to teach them. Why else do an online class if there are no photos or drawings? This is what students are here for, to learn without having to travel to see you in person (most of the time it is impossible, as we know, for everyone to go to "in person" classes).
Please do not give me a class that is already in pattern format or will be released "free" via a magazine. Make your class innovative-- be different, be unusual, be the first to do some new technique. These classes bring in more students.
I also suggest doing an online class "specifically" for online ONLY. Meaning that you do not want to take away from "in person" classes by teaching a specific class online, this might take away from "real live" students. I'd do classes and offer them "online only". Not available in any other format. Thus, you would not take away from your live/in person classes.
Please email me your classes via attachments in an email. Do not send it all at once unless you can zip it up. If you break your classes up, and want it to be taught in several pieces, PLEASE send it as you want it up - that way I can save the pdf files separately and not as one download. IF you want the entire class to be put up at one time via the pdf format, please send it as one download for me or in several emails if necessary, just let me know to combine them. Most students prefer the entire class to be put up all at one time instead of waiting a week or a few days for a new lesson.
Do not send gif or bmp's, they do not copy/paste. They need to be jpg format.
Classes need to be in an easy to read format. I'd love to have a drawing or prefer a photograph for each step, unless it is a simple task. I would like all of the writing to be understood by a beginning student, unless you list the class as having had doll class/doll making experience before hand.
Class prices are up to you, I do not tell you what to price your class. Email me for fees/percentages.
I will put your pattern from Word into a pdf file if you'd like or you will be sending out a hard copy of the pattern to each student before class starts (if necessary), so this will have to be done in a timely manner. As soon as I get a paid order, I will be sending you that person's name/addy/email addy and you keep tabs of your list--add to it as I add to your email inbox! As soon as you receive an order (forwarded from me), please please send them a note giving them the supply list and telling them "welcome aboard", so they know we are both aware of them being your student. Thanks!
Our discussion lists are now with Yahoogroups.com - these seem to be the best available. You will need to set up a "profile" if you have not already done so (no need to give out pertinent information about yourself, vague is fine here). The discussion list is set up once you send me your list of emails of all of your students with, of course, your email included in that list. It is set up usually 2-3 days before class starts so everyone can get in before it starts and get familiar with it. Sometimes we set up the discussion list a week or longer ahead of the actual start time if you'd like, just ask me to!
Your students need to know that they will receive a discussion list "invitation" for your group 2-3 days before class starts. THIS IS A MUST.
If you ever have questions, or concerns, please e-mail me and I'll try my best to figure out any problems or concerns :) lisarisler@valornet.com
Payments: I will send payments for all classes usually within 1 week of the class starting. Please remind me if I have forgotten to pay you (I am human!).
Remember, YOU, as the teacher, are required to send out the patterns and notices via email to your students. This includes sending out passwords, notifying them of any changes, problems, etc. Also instructions about the discussion list. I do not get into your discussions unless I feel I need to. I stay in the background - - you are in complete control of your classroom. If you need me to announce anything, just holler at me and I'll be glad to! I'm here if you need me.
KIT FEES: I send the students directly to you for kits. The funds will come directly from the student and you will handle sending the kits out. We can work on this separately if you live outside the U.S. or cannot take orders via the internet or email. (paypal works good for this)
SHINE!!!