3 Lessons Learned from Delivering 1380 Online Tai Chi Classes

Chicago Tai Chi Students enjoying an Online Class

Lesson #1

Our Students can learn high quality Tai Chi and Qigong Online.

Throughout Chicago Tai Chi’s 10 years in business, we've aimed to deliver high quality, professional Tai Chi instruction in a friendly, welcoming environment.

In in-person classes, we could see that manifested in multiple ways:

• A growing community of dedicated students.
• Steady improvement in the quality of students’ Tai Chi and Qigong.
• High levels of engagement in class, reflected in attendance, consistent progress, and lots of helpful questions.
• Plenty of smiles, good humor, and new friendships.

The big unknown in March 2020 — How would this translate to the Online format?

Fortunately, we had some experience to draw on.

We’ve worked remotely with private clients via Skype and Zoom for years. We’ve also produced multiple self-paced Online Courses, including our new Online Tai Chi for Balance Course, Online Tai Chi for Knee Health, and Online Introduction to Tai Chi. (Interested? Click here.)

From that, we had ideas on how to adjust in-person instructional techniques to an Online Class format.

So we went for it.

Over the past 12 months, we've watched students, both experienced and brand new, make impressive progress through Online instruction. In many cases, at the same rate, or even faster, than with in-person classes.

That progress, in part, we attribute to two key adjustments we made— switching to Unlimited Classes and expanding our library of Practice Videos.

Unlimited Classes

In shifting our schedule Online, we simplified our fee structure. Pay one monthly fee. Attend as many classes as you want at your level.

We call it “All you can eat.”

What happened was that many students who previously attended one Tai Chi class per week, started joining multiple Tai Chi classes per week. Then Tai Chi students started filling up our Qigong classes. Then we offered our popular Tai Chi for Balance class online. More students joined that, both new students and more experienced students.

As a result of more class time and instruction, our students' learning accelerated. Wonderful to observe!

Practice Videos

For years, our students have received access to our library of guided Practice Videos. They just press Play and follow the Instructor.

After moving all classes Online, we realized we had students joining us on phones, tablets, or laptops. On smaller screens, some details are more difficult to catch during class.

So we produced more Practice Videos, including short ones covering a particular move, or even parts of a move.

Students love the videos, making their practice time more effective and enjoyable.

Instructor Annelise Senkowski Leading an Online Tai Chi Class

Lesson #2

Our Online Students love the convenience and connection.

In-person classes offer 3D interaction before, during, and after class. Students enjoy that. So do Instructors. We all miss that experience.

At the same time, in-person classes require coming to our studio in the heart of the Chicago Loop. For many who wanted to join our classes, time and distance posed insurmountable barriers.

The Online Class format dissolves those barriers. Within 2 months of shifting to Online Classes, we had students joining us from outside the City, outside the state, and outside the US.

Students tell us regularly how they appreciate the convenience of Online Classes. Here's a sample of what students say—

"Chicago Tai Chi has done an exemplary job of pivoting to online during COVID. It's great to be able to get an hour of tai chi instruction without having to commute!" James R.

"The online classes are amazing. If one good thing came out of covid, it is the ability to access such experienced and positive instructors." Ann S.

"I have always wanted to join these classes but the realities of leaving work were prohibitive. The virtual classes have been the perfect solution and are a bright spot in the week." Rachel B.

 "CTC's Tai Chi and Qigong classes via Zoom have been an amazing anchor for me during this time of uncertainty. For many years I've had a strong desire to enhance my study of these practices, but couldn't find the time. When CTC offered classes online, I jumped at the chance and I'm so grateful I did! " Jeanne P.

In this way, our decision to shift to Online Classes opened the doors of Chicago Tai Chi to students who could not otherwise join us.

Plus, as people adapt to the Online Class format, people feel connected to our Chicago Tai Chi Community. Especially important during a time where many felt otherwise isolated. (See Lesson #3 on steps we take to intentionally foster a sense of community in the Online Class format.)

Here's examples of student comments attesting to the importance of connecting to the Chicago Tai Chi Community.

"I appreciate that CTC provides live Online options for me to continue learning and deepening my practice. The instructors are highly trained and are consistently supportive. I enjoy learning alongside a friendly group of people." Natalie L.

"This is a real community of people, not just individuals who focus on the teacher. We learn from one another and that's encouraged and built in to course work." Dennis N.

"If you are new to Tai Chi and wonder if it would benefit you, try Chicago Tai Chi's Online Classes. This is a friendly community that will make you feel welcome from your first class." Mary N.

"Chicago Tai Chi's Online Classes are surprisingly interactive and unique. This is due to the excellent questions and check-ins asked by the instructors which illicit participants’ own progress, questions, and comments. Everyone benefits from the exchange and a shared learning community develops."

For I and my colleagues, the opportunity to offer both convenience and connection during the past 12 months has felt especially meaningful.

Happy Students after another Online Tai Chi Class

Lesson #3

Online Students benefit from extra support.

For many adults new to the Online Learning Format, getting the hang of Online protocols and functionality takes time. We developed several approaches for helping students get up to speed.

Test Zoom Sessions

We use Zoom video conferencing as our Online platform.

For students brand new to Zoom, we offer a Test Zoom session before they join their first class. A quick Test Zoom helps a student practice logging in and exploring Zoom functionality.

This increases new student comfort with the Zoom platform and saves class time.

Extra reminders

We learned early on that log-in links and passwords get lost.

Plus, at times, we run multiple classes simultaneously on multiple Zoom links. That increases the potential for log-in mix-ups.

So we adopted this approach— Send log-in info early and often. Students appreciate the reminders.

Frequent check-ins during classes

We found the Online Class format is not automatically interactive. As instructors, we're responsible for fostering that interaction.

So we incorporate frequent check-ins. This creates space for questions and feedback.

We find this approach contributes to a comfortable, conversational, interactive learning atmosphere.

So that's some of what we've learned from delivering 1380 Online Classes in 12 months.

To close, I want to say this:

In reflecting on our work over the past year, I and my colleagues share one overriding emotion— Gratitude.

To each member of the Chicago Tai Chi community joining us Online to enjoy the powerful benefits, and fun, of Tai Chi and Qigong, we say,

Thank you!

Chris Cinnamon, JD, MS
Certified Exercise Physiologist
Head Instructor
Author, Tai Chi for Knee Health

P.S.

Interested in joining our Online Classes? For more info, click here.