#Virtual Learning Classes

[starlightseraph]

comrades, don’t kill yourselves.

edit april 2025: as i’ve learned more and become more radical i see huge issues with what i said here. i viscerally recoiled just reading it, lol. revised below the cut.

my views aren’t actually too different from what they were when i wrote the original, but i’m now far less concerned about the possibility of hurting the feelings of usamericans who still subscribe to a mythologised view of “our nation” or “our values” or “the constitution” that has never truly existed. all of that “what is happening to america” is pure bullshit. internally, i felt just as blunt and harsh as i’m about to be now, but i was a coward and i didn’t want to alienate myself from the vast majority of the establishment-loving people that surround me.

(as i indefinitely live in the usa, which, don’t get me wrong, i love and it is now just as much my home as my actual home, but still, it’s insane just how deluded the average person is without realising it. it’s like that joke where the cia agent congratulates the kgb agent on the quality and quantity of soviet propaganda and the kgb agent says that it’s nothing in comparison to american propaganda. and the cia agent is confused and says “but we don’t have propaganda”)

my more developed line goes something like this: fuck trump and fuck harris and fuck both democrats and republicans and if you honestly think that democrats are even slightly left wing or in any way progressive or working towards change, you’re either propagandised to the high heavens or just wilfully blind.

democrats are disgusting, spineless, posturing idiots who have no clue how to even pretend to care about people. and they honestly don’t. why do you think like half of their campaign platform for decades on end was “we’ll codify roe!” but they literally never did, even when holding as much power as possible? because it was a bargaining chip. as long as they could make a promise like that, people would keep voting for them, hoping that this time it would really happen. but it didn’t, because they care more about not upsetting people and maintaining their careers and the absurd amounts of funding they get from every kind of lunatic lobbying group you can imagine.

democrats fund the right. democrats are funded by the right. democrats are the right. this shouldn’t be surprising, if you’ve been paying any attention at all. the democratic party is not and has never been representative of any minorities or marginalised groups and it has never actually tried to make things better for them. people often say “but oh, this or that issue would’ve been so much worse under republicans” and that may be true, but it misses the real point: democrats grudgingly give concessions, they don’t enact change.

obviously the maga-qanon crowd is particularly demented and i so have a special hatred for the nordic-aryan-alien-space-nazism thing that they have going on. but the point is that just because republicans are bad, it does not mean that democrats are good.

there’s a crucial difference here: a very mildly lesser evil versus an active force for good. democrats are an active force for bad. being in ostensible opposition to republicans just mean that they want to carry out their atrocities with a reassuring smile. republicans are just saying the quiet part out loud, and, if you’ve been listening, the quiet parts have never even been all that quiet.

if you actually wanna be of help to any oppressed people in the united states and especially if you want to help the literal billions that the united states oppressed abroad, you have to let go of the attachment to this idea of america as a place that could ever have turned out as anything but an evil, imperialistic genocide fanatic that’s badly masquerading as benevolent.

this is the inevitable outcome of the ideological foundations of the united states. a party, an election, all the votes in the world won’t change that. this is the system working as intended, slaughtering and enslaving and torturing incomprehensible numbers of people to line the pockets of ceos and politicians, just as it has always done.

get your head out of the sand. open your goddamn eyes. marching with a sign or posting on social media (unless promoting fundraisers) doesn’t do shit. if your “dissent” is in any form that the ruling class doesn’t try to stop, it’s because you pose no threat to their establishment. resistance has to be disruptive, it cannot be anything that gets support from the very same systems you are protesting against. i don’t know why people think that any movement protected by cops or that involves politicians will have any effect. it’s obvious that it won’t.

no matter how much they smile and say “oh but we love women and gay people and muslims” they’re not actually going to do anything but enthusiastically support the genociding of muslims, the pseudoscientific queerphobia, and the forcing of women into a box. they’re all part of the same money and control driven machine that has sadistically ended or destroyed the lives of countless people in a lost every single nation, including at home.

anyways, peace and love on the planet earth and all that. i love my fellow humans so much, i want nothing more than for us to just be chilling together like picking berries in a field and drinking tea or something. i’m so tired of this essentialist civilisation vs savagery or this nation against that one shit. we’re just a bunch of creatures trying to exist and be safe and not miserable and the people of the world fundamentally have the same interests at heart. constructed divisions have made us so focused on how we can dominate, when the natural tendency of humans is to cooperate. if your ideology isn’t fuelled by love, it’s worthless. i don’t mean this as some lofty flowery shit, i just mean that our end goal in everything should be the ultimate decrease of suffering and increase of happiness on as large a scale as possible.

the earth is beautiful and humanity is beautiful and we really can do something beautiful together. stay alive, stay fighting as hard and as tangibly as you can for days when the capitalists of the united states and imperial core no longer have a monopoly on the most basic elements of human existence.

in the words of our comrade yugopnik: my homo sapiens patriotism can no long be held at bay. lol

[cognitivejustice]

This spring, learn to be a composting leader with University of Illinois Extension’s Compost Ambassador program

https://977wmoi.com/2025/03/illinois-extension-to-train-new-wave-of-community-compost-leaders/

The five-week training program, which began in Cook, Lake, and McHenry counties in 2022 and has since expanded to central Illinois, returns with an enhanced hybrid curriculum designed to create knowledgeable home and community composters and provide community education. Virtual sessions run on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., beginning April 2.

“Composting is a practical way for everyone to make a positive environmental impact right in their own backyard,” says Gemini Bhalsod, Extension horticulture educator. “Our ambassadors learn the science of composting and become advocates for sustainable practices in their communities.”

Participants will explore composting fundamentals, home systems, scientific principles, quality testing, and community engagement through interactive online sessions and hands-on activities. The program includes access to Learn @ Illinois Extension’s virtual classroom for supplemental materials and peer connections.

The training culminates in demonstration workshops provided at three different locations: Prairie State College, University of Illinois Student Farm, and University of Illinois Extension’s Lake County Office, where local participants will build compost piles, explore different systems, and connect with fellow composting enthusiasts. Lunch is provided.

The course fee is $40, and registration is required. Participants can register at go.illinois.edu/CompostLeader. If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Alex Landberg at landberg@illinois.edu.

[dawnthefluffyduck]

Gesture & Figure Studies

I mentioned in a previous post that a professor of mine gave me some resources that I find super helpful, and that once he fixed the links to those resources, I would share them here.

So, as promised, I'm making a post to compile the various online goodies I've been given/stumbled across on my own. All of these are super good resources to practice gesture drawing for free, and in a more comfortable environment than staring at a real person three feet away from you. Some of these are also good references to have for longer drawings, so feel free to use them in whatever way helps you! Links put below:

Before anything, I think it's important to explain what exactly gesture is. At its core, gesture is simply looking at some form of reference, and drawing what you see as quickly as possible. Gesture drawing isn't actually exclusive to drawing people; it's helpful with pretty much all subject matter, such as still-lifes or landscapes. This post focuses on figure studies, but the techniques found here can be used elsewhere too.

These exercises are typically done in increments of 30 seconds-5 minutes. That's not a lot of time, so it's very important to not get hung up on details while working. Instead, focus on whatever you're drawing in its entirety; the point is to capture the energy of whatever you're looking at, not each individual shape. These drawings tend to look a little goofy and that's perfectly fine! The important part is proportion and energy, not form.

Below are a couple of videos that I think best help introduce gesture drawing. Seeing it is action explains it better than words can, in my opinion:

A demo of figure gesture drawing (this is closest to how I was taught)

Short video that explains good things to watch out for while you work

And for the poses:

Playlist of timed poses (non-nude)

Playlist of timed poses (nude)

Pose image library (nude/non-nude/hands/more+)

Timed image library (nude/non-nude/hands/more+)

Another timed image library (nude/non-nude)

Pinterest board of hand/feet references (helpful even outside of gesture drawing)

HUGE pose reference library (very helpful even outside of gesture drawing)

DeviantArt page for the above (more poses I believe, but harder to navigate)

I'll update this post if I add anything else to this list, but this is all I have for now. Hopefully a couple of people can find this useful :D

[onsa-online-sewing-academy]

Can You Learn to Sew Online? A Comprehensive Look at Your Options with ONSA

At ONSA - Online Sewing Academy, the world of stitching and garment construction should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location or schedule. In today's digital age, online learning has revolutionized how we acquire new skills, making it possible to master intricate crafts like sewing from the comfort of our homes. But can you truly become an expert stitcher through virtual classes alone? Let's explore the options available and how ONSA empowers you to embark on an enriching sewing journey.

The Beauty of Pre-Recorded Video Lessons

Ah, the world of pre-recorded tutorials - a treasure trove of knowledge at your fingertips! ONSA's extensive library of meticulously crafted video lessons offers a comprehensive exploration of sewing techniques, from the fundamentals of threading a needle to the intricacies of advanced garment construction. One of the most significant advantages of this format is the ability to learn at your own pace, rewinding and revisiting lessons as many times as needed until each stitch and seam becomes second nature.

Our pre-recorded videos are thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse learning styles, combining visual demonstrations with clear, concise explanations. Whether you're a visual learner who thrives on observing each step or an auditory learner who appreciates detailed verbal guidance, our lessons ensure that no aspect of the sewing process is left unexplained.

While budget-friendly and convenient, we understand that pre-recorded content may lack the human interaction that many pupils crave – the ability to ask questions, receive real-time feedback, and benefit from the personalized attention of an experienced instructor. This is where our live, interactive classes come into play.

The Magic of Live, Interactive Classes

Imagine having a seasoned ONSA instructor by your virtual side, guiding you through the intricate sewing world with patience and expertise. Our live, online classes provide an immersive, interactive experience replicating the intimacy of a physical classroom setting. Through video conferencing technology, you can follow along with your instructor, ask questions as they arise, and receive real-time feedback on your technique.

One of the most significant advantages of live classes at ONSA is the ability to learn at a pace that suits your individual needs. Our instructors are adept at adapting their teaching methods to accommodate varying skill levels, ensuring that every student feels included and supported. Whether you're a complete novice taking your first tentative stitches or a skilled stitcher seeking to elevate your art, our talented teachers can customize lesson plans to align with your unique goals and aspirations.

From mastering the art of inserting invisible zippers to acquiring advanced draping skills for haute couture designs, our live classes cover various topics, catering to hobbyists and aspiring professionals. Private one-on-one sessions and small group workshops provide ample opportunity for personalized guidance, fostering an environment where questions are welcomed, and challenges are addressed with patience and expertise.

The ONSA Edge: A Holistic Approach to Sewing Education

At ONSA, we understand that sewing is more than just a practical skill – it's an art form that combines technical precision with creative expression. Our approach to online sewing education is rooted in this philosophy, nurturing both the technical and artistic aspects of this timeless craft.

Our team of expert instructors, each with years of industry experience and a passion for teaching, has thoughtfully crafted a multifaceted curriculum that covers the entire spectrum of sewing, from understanding fabric properties and pattern drafting to mastering advanced construction techniques and exploring fashion design principles.

By combining our comprehensive library of pre-recorded video resources with live, interactive sessions, ONSA provides a 360-degree learning experience tailored to your schedule, skillset, and aspirations. Whether you prefer the convenience of self-paced learning or thrive on the dynamic energy of a virtual classroom, our blend of educational formats ensures that your sewing journey is enriching, engaging, and tailored to your unique needs.

Beyond the technical aspects of sewing, ONSA also emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity and self-expression. Our lessons encourage students to experiment with fabric choices, color combinations, and design elements, fostering an environment where individuality is celebrated and personal style is cultivated.

Sewing Mastery: A Journey, Not a Destination

At ONSA, we firmly believe that sewing mastery is a lifelong pursuit, a continuous learning and refinement journey. Our online academy is designed to support you at every stage of this journey, from your first tentative stitches to the creation of intricate, couture-worthy garments.

As you progress through our curriculum, you can participate in virtual sewing circles, where you can connect with fellow stitchers, share your creations, and seek inspiration from a community of like-minded individuals. Our instructors are not just teachers but mentors dedicated to your growth and success, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way.

Sewing is more than just a hobby – it's a powerful form of self-expression, transforming fabric into wearable art that reflects your unique style and personality. At ONSA, we strive to empower you to unleash your creativity, one stitch at a time, by providing a comprehensive and immersive online learning experience tailored to your needs.

Ready to Start Stitching Your Dreams into Reality?

Whether you're a busy professional seeking a creative outlet, a stay-at-home parent looking to explore a new passion, or a lifelong stitcher yearning to elevate your skills, ONSA - Online Sewing Academy supports your sewing journey.

Explore our diverse online sewing courses today, from beginner-friendly introductions to advanced masterclasses, and unlock a world of possibilities that transcends time and space. With ONSA, the art of sewing is no longer limited by your location or schedule – it's a vibrant, accessible realm where your dreams can be woven into reality, one exquisite thread at a time.

Join our virtual community of passionate stitchers, where inspiration, camaraderie, and personal growth intertwine seamlessly. Embark on a transformative journey that will teach you sewing techniques, ignite your creativity, boost your confidence, and empower you to express your individuality through the timeless art of garment construction.

The world of sewing awaits, and at ONSA, we're committed to being your trusted guide every step of the way. Unleash your inner stitching prowess, and let your creativity take flight – the possibilities are endless.

[tinyperson00]

listening to my computer lecture me on the downfall of social media has in minors as I am casually scrolling through tumblr ✨

[explainlearning]

Class Group Strategies: Turning Ideas into Action

Class groups are a powerful tool for enhancing learning and fostering collaboration. However, to make the most of these groups, it's essential to have effective strategies in place. This article will explore various class group strategies and how Explain Learning can support your group's success.

Understanding Class Group Dynamics

Before diving into strategies, it's important to understand the dynamics of a class group. Effective class groups are characterized by:

Shared Goals: Members have a common understanding of the group's objectives.

Respect and Trust: Members treat each other with respect and trust.

Effective Communication: Open and honest communication is essential for avoiding misunderstandings.

Balanced Participation: Everyone contributes equally to the group's success.

Strategies for Effective Class Groups

Set Clear Goals: Define the group's objectives and expectations. This will help keep everyone focused and motivated.

Establish Ground Rules: Create a set of guidelines for behavior, participation, and communication.

Assign Roles and Responsibilities: Delegate tasks to ensure everyone contributes and feels valued.

Effective Communication: Encourage open and honest communication among members.

Leverage Technology: Utilize tools like Explain Learning to enhance collaboration and communication.

The Role of Explain Learning

Explain Learning is an e-learning platform that can significantly improve the effectiveness of your class group. Our platform offers a range of features, including:

Collaborative Tools: Work together on shared documents, whiteboards, and projects.

Communication Features: Stay connected with your group through chat, video conferencing, and forums.

Interactive Content: Access a variety of interactive exercises, quizzes, and videos to enhance learning.

Personalized Learning Paths: Create customized learning plans tailored to individual needs.

Tips for Successful Class Groups

Active Participation: Encourage all members to contribute to discussions and activities.

Time Management: Use time management strategies to ensure efficient use of study time.

Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and reward individual and group achievements.

Address Challenges Proactively: If conflicts arise, address them openly and respectfully.

Beyond Academic Success

Class groups can offer benefits beyond academic achievement. They can help students develop valuable skills such as:

Communication and Collaboration: Working together effectively requires strong communication and collaboration skills.

Leadership: Taking on leadership roles within the group can develop leadership skills.

Problem-Solving: Collaboratively solving problems can improve critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Time Management: Balancing group commitments with individual responsibilities can improve time management skills.

Conclusion

Class groups are a powerful tool for enhancing learning and developing essential skills. By implementing effective strategies and utilizing platforms like Explain Learning, you can create a thriving class group that fosters collaboration, communication, and academic success.

Know more https://explainlearning.com/blog/class-group/

[wickedhawtwexler]

soooo apparently the place where i go to karaoke has a songwriter open mic event once a month...... that would be the ideal place to make my non-karaoke singing debut would it not......... hmmm.....

[romeoisalesbian]

i also feel like some of it is perhaps due to some pandemic disruption stuff...for example, right now, i know a lot of kids just starting high school whose transition from elementary school to middle school (5th-6th grade) was disrupted by covid.

these kids are lovely people, but often i've noticed they speak and act like they're on the internet at all times. part of my job as a camp-counselor (sort of...i have a strange job) for younger people has been telling them when the mean joke they've seen online is genuinely quite hurtful when spoken personally to real-live people, because the internet uses a different script than real life.

im not blaming the internet as a whole, or the pandemic, i just think the internet speaks a differnt language. i also think that, particularly for the people who were disrupted by the pandemic in middle/elementary school, they missed out on a key source of feedback for social development: embarrassment or awareness of the consequeunces of your actions.

when you're online, you can broadly ignore things that make you unhappy and, if you do engage with it, you never have to see the other people's face. there's always some new space to run off to and hide, worst case scenario. it's easy to delete an account and start anew. when you're in middle school (the worst place to be), if you destroy a friendship, or are generally mean, or engage with being shitty, that does follow you. people stare, people gossip, and there's no way to run away.

I don't think anyone deserves humilation and i don't think that shame is somehow necessary to empathy (most of the kids I teach ARE empathetic), but I do think that a lot of kids -- ESPECIALLY those disrupted by the pandemic -- missed out on the awareness that their actions (rudeness, lack of etiquette) has major consequences.

I think some of it is a general loss of etiquette structures, but honestly i personally place a lot of it into "a lot of younger people had major areas of social development that they spent near-entirely online or communicating only with those they live with."

I feel like in the rush of “throw out etiquette who cares what fork you use or who gets introduced first” we actually lost a lot of social scripts that the younger generations are floundering without.

[successfulblackparenting]

How Parents Can Support Remote Learning at Home

As a parent, you play an essential role in your child’s remote learning experience. By creating a dedicated learning space and establishing a consistent schedule, you can help minimize distractions and foster focus. Open communication is key; regular check-ins can reveal their progress and challenges, while promoting independence encourages ownership of their education. However, there are other…

[chesstrainer24]

Online vs. offline chess coaching - discover the key differences, benefits, and which method suits your learning style best to improve your chess skills.

Do Visit: https://chesstrainer.com/online-vs-offline-chess-coaching-which-one-is-better-for-you/

[digitallab007]

Key Benefits of Smart Classroom in Schools

Smart classroom transform learning into an exciting adventure with dynamic lessons, engaging quizzes, and real-life simulations. Replacing traditional teaching methods, they create a more immersive and interactive experience. Schools adopting these digital solutions see improved student participation, retention, and performance.

So, what makes smart classrooms a game-changer? The biggest perks of smart classrooms are what make them the future of education. Smart classrooms improve learning. As a result, students engage more, and consequently  retention rates increase.

1. Makes Learning More FUN and Engaging With Smart Classroom

Those long lectures can get really boring. Definitely, the smart classrooms make learning dynamic! Their animated videos, virtual experiments, and gamified quizzes really keep students engaged in learning and make difficult subjects easier to understand.

” When students enjoy learning, they retain more and stay motivated! “

https://www.digitalteacher.in/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Digital-Classroom-and-Smart-Classroom-Services-Provider-1.jpg

2. Personalized Learning at Every Student’s Pace

Not every student learns in the same way or at the same speed. For instance, some students grasp concepts instantly, while others may take a bit longer. However, a smart classroom helps bridge this gap by allowing students to rewind, pause, and review lessons anytime, thus enabling them to learn at their own pace.

” Bonus: Lessons can be easily recorded for later revision by students before exams! “

3. Complex Ideas Become Clear With Smart Classroom

Ever have trouble understanding math formulas, science experiments, or historic events?

With the help of 3D animations, virtual labs, and real-life simulations, even the most complex subject becomes crystal clear and very easy to understand.

” Imagine going on a virtual tour in ancient Egypt while in your classroom! “

4. No More Heavy Textbooks & Paper Waste

With e-books, digital notes, and cloud storage, there is no need for the students to carry heavy school bags. Smart classrooms also help in eco-friendly learning through reduced use of paper.

” Less paper wastage saves more trees! “

5 . Prepares Students for a Digitally Driven Future

Technology is fast changing every field, and those students who are going to be digitally comfortable are going to have that edge in their career.

Smart classrooms train students in:

Effective use of digital platforms

Navigation of online research tools

Virtual collaboration with others

 ” Future-ready students start here! “

6. Nurture imagination & collaboration

Smart classrooms are way more than just digital lessons; in fact, they encourage creativity and teamwork. For example, group projects in an interactive form, digital storytelling, and brainstorming on smartboards actively engage students and ultimately inspire them to think outside the box.

” Students learn not only to memorize facts but also how to solve real-life problems. “

The Future is Intelligent Education!

Education should be interactive, inclusive, and prepared for the future. That’s what smart classrooms bring exactly. Schools that are now using digital learning tools are giving students the ability, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in today’s fast-moving world.

Is Your School Ready to Go SMART?

Upgrade your classrooms with Digital Teacher’s Smart Classroom Solutions to bring a next-level learning experience for your students!  

[tony-hawks-underground]

I need to become phase 3 certified but stellantis is so slow

[tutorsvalleymusic]

How to Pick the Best Virtual Violin Instructor: A Guide by Tutors Valley Music Academy

Learning the violin online has become a popular choice for music enthusiasts who want to master this beautiful instrument from the comfort of their home. With the rise of online violin classes, the options for finding a qualified virtual instructor have never been greater. But how do you choose the best one for you? In this article, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect violin instructor and why Tutors Valley Music Academy should be your top choice for instrument music online classes.