Tech for Your Virtual Teaching Space
/A few weeks ago I sat down with Daily Origin for a segment - Creating a Virtual Business. We discussed how I shifted from an in-person business model to virtual programming and teaching in 2020 during the global pandemic. Towards the end of the conversation I was asked:
If you could’ve picked one piece of technology to purchase for virtual classes what would it be?
I’m not big on tech - but I have had to do a lot of research / online shopping this last year. Below is my spark note answer of technology to purchase, with links to some of my key purchases that I use personally. I hope it is helpful as a starting point for your own research!
01 // SOUND
If somebody can hear you well - and you’re concise and thorough with your cueing they probably don’t have to look to the screen as much.
Best for recording meditations + podcasts.
$129.99
Great for teaching live-stream classes + in-person events.
$119.99
2 // LIGHTING
Natural lighting is wonderful - but often uneven when teaching from a space at home. It can also be inconsistent and weather / time dependent. A ring light can be especially helpful for early morning / late night.
Ideal for balancing out the light in a room.
$159.99
3 // HOSTING
Figuring out how to get people to pay, sign-up and access your classes can take a ton of time. After months of managing individual orders (Stripe) + sending out separate Zoom links for each class (MailChimp) + recordings after class (YouTube) I upgraded to Sutra. It not only saves me hours a week but also provides an opportunity for me to make money while I’m not teaching.
Seamlessly host live classes, sell on-demand practices and create memberships / packages - all from your own website.
Bonus! It integrates with MailChimp + Zoom + Stripe
$25 / month
4 // SPACE
From space on your computer to your teaching space there are a few additional things I’ve learned along the way.
Running out of space on your computer? Videos take up A LOT of space - use a google drive and / or an external hard drive (below).
Does your voice echo now that you’ve cleaned up your practice space? Sound echoes in an empty-ish space. Use blankets + pillows + rugs + curtains to absorb sound.
Does your mat clash with your outfit? I LOVE to wear all black. I also have a black mat. While this is never an issue teaching in person it doesn’t translate well on screen.
Are your cute plants dying? Fake ones look real on screen :)
WD 4TB My Passport for Mac Portable External Hard Drive - Blue, USB-C/USB-A - WDBA2F0040BBL-WESN
$108.99
Check out my full interview with Genevieve from Daily Origin: