Set up a dedicated cooking area with good lighting and enough counter space. Keep your laptop/device at eye level but away from water and heat sources. I've found that placing a shelf or stand above your prep area works wonders for seeing the instructor while you work.
Clear distractions and gather all ingredients and tools before class starts — this simple step has saved me countless times from that mid-recipe panic!
Read through recipes completely before your session. Measure and organize ingredients in advance (mise en place). This actually changes everything about how you'll experience the class — trust me on this one.
Keep a notebook handy for quick notes. Sometimes the best tips from instructors come in passing comments, and you'll want to remember those little gems of wisdom.
Don't be shy — ask questions when you're unsure. The chat function is your friend during live sessions. Take photos of your progress and final dishes to share with instructors for feedback.
Connect with fellow students in discussion forums. Some of my best kitchen hacks came from other students who were experimenting with the same techniques!
Test your internet connection before important sessions. Download course materials in advance in case of connectivity issues. Keep a clean kitchen towel nearby for quick hand-drying before touching your devices.
Position your camera so instructors can see your technique when feedback is needed — angling it slightly downward toward your workspace often works best.
Revisit recorded sessions to refine techniques you struggled with. Set aside regular practice time between formal lessons. Challenge yourself to recreate dishes without following along with videos once you've learned the basics.
Remember, even professional chefs botch a hollandaise sometimes. Embrace the learning process, flops and all!
Don't panic if you don't have specialized equipment — learn to substitute with what you have. If you can't find exact ingredients, ask about suitable alternatives. Our instructors are fantastic about suggesting workarounds.
Take notes on any substitutions you make and record how they affected the final dish. This develops your intuitive cooking skills faster than you'd expect.
Chef Michael Rivera has been teaching remote culinary classes for over 5 years. His approach combines practical techniques with an understanding of the unique challenges of virtual learning environments.
"The most successful remote students I've taught share one common trait — they're not passive viewers. They ask questions, share their results (even the disasters!), and treat each session as a real kitchen experience. When you approach online learning with the same seriousness and joy you'd bring to an in-person class, that's when the magic happens. And don't forget to have fun with it! Some of my favorite cooking discoveries came from happy accidents during remote classes."
Before Class
Review lesson materials. Set up workspace with all ingredients measured and tools at hand. Test tech and connections. Put your phone on silent mode and arrange for an interruption-free session.
During Class
Take quick notes on technique tips. Ask questions about steps you're unsure of. Focus on matching the instructor's pacing rather than rushing ahead. Watch closely for visual cues about texture and doneness.
After Class
Document your results and write down what worked/didn't work. Practice any challenging techniques before the next class. Review your notes and the recorded session if available. Share your creations!
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