Molly Loch has been getting curious looks lately. Visitors at Chrysler Museum and Mount Trashmore wonder what she’s up to when they see her speaking in front of her iPhone. Little do they know – she’s teaching a live lesson to her students.
The Providence Elementary art teacher exemplifies how Virginia Beach City Public Schools is adapting to the times.
“I needed to reimagine what our art classes will look like in this environment where I am seeing some students in person, some virtual and sometimes both at the same time,” she said. “Art encompasses so many different things, and we are lucky to live in an area that is rich in public art and history.”
Loch tapped into her background in marketing, broadcasting and graphic design to create her own version of art education, on the go.
“The same old way of doing things is not going to work,” said Loch, who has been at Providence for three of her nine years with VBCPS. “Times are changing. We need to get past the security of thinking, ‘This is what I’m used to, so it always has to be that way.’ “
When school started in September, Loch sensed that her students were growing tired of watching how- to-draw videos on YouTube. She wanted something more interactive, and something local.
“I decided to teach my virtual classes live, on location, from local areas of artistic interest like an interactive web show,” she said. “It started with trip to the Chrysler Museum’s Contemporary Art Gallery to examine how artists use the Elements of Art in their work. I brought my laptop, and the museum provided a cart so I could wheel my classes around as we examined the art up close.”
She also taught live from Mount Trashmore, where she and her students examined and sketched a Native American statue. They learned about the artist, Peter Toth, and why he came to Virginia Beach to carve the Whispering Giant sculpture.
Providence Elementary fifth grader Violett Clonch said she can’t wait to go with her family to see the statue in person.
“I like how it’s made from real wood and it’s right here in the community,” Violett said, adding that she also liked the virtual visit to Chrysler Museum.
“We could see lots of examples of the artworks with the different elements in them like line, value, shape, texture and color,” she said. “She makes us feel like we are right there with her.”
Visual Arts Program Coordinator Christopher Buhner said Loch shares her amazing talents by teaching multiple professional development classes each year.
“We are blessed to have her on the team,” he said.
Loch is thankful that Information Technology Specialist Bill Hawley and Principal Michael Taylor have supported the virtual field trips.
“It keeps the students much more engaged in the lesson,” Taylor said. “Instead of looking at something else online, Molly is actually at the location and bringing art to life.”
During the visits, she leads three back-to-back lessons for different grade levels, and adapts the experience for asynchronous learning. Future assignments include the Hermitage Museum and the Pagoda & Oriental Garden in Norfolk.
“Our area has so much to offer, and I plan to bring as much of it as I can to my students while I have this amazing opportunity to move beyond the walls of our usual classroom,” Loch said.