Virtual Fly Tying Classes The Virtual Fly Tying Class Software I am very excited to announce that FlyTyingForum.com is now hosting "Virtual Fly Tying Classes". This idea has been a vision of mine for quite some time and it is now that I believe the technology and resources are available to make this happen. These virtual classes will be unlike anything that anybody has ever seen or done before and it will revolutionize the way people learn to tie flies. FTF's mission is to "Unite fly tyers around the world" and this new program will allow tyers around the world to learn from one another just as if they were sitting in the same room. What are "Virtual Fly Tying Classes"? These classes will be done via special software that I developed and the idea is simple, but as are most things around here it will evolve and will be refined over time. Basically the instructor will plug a camera into a video feed and the students will be able to see the instructor tie in real-time. The students will then be able to communicate with the instructor by plugging in a microphone or via text in the chat room. The instructor (and the other students) will be able to hear your questions or comments and will be able to answer via their own microphone. The good thing is the equipment needed to be an instructor or a student is minimal, any basic web cam and mic would suffice. Now anybody with some basic cheap equipment can teach others from around the world how to tie a fly and everybody can do this from the comfort of their own home. How to Get Started The only requirement to participate in Virtual Fly Tying Classes is to be a registered member of FTF. Membership is 100% free and registering is quick and easy (click here to register). Located on the website is a forum dedicated to the announcement of current classes, each listing will contain information regarding class times, pattern(s) that will be tied, difficult level and a list of materials needed if you wish to tie along (click here for the Virtual Fly Tying Class forum). Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to participate in classes.

Instructors Needed FTF Founder, Will Mullis, teaching the first class Equipment Basically all that you need to teach a class is a decent webcam, microphone and a broadband internet connection(dial up probably won't work). I have had many questions as to what webcam should be bought and there are so many choices out there so I will tell you what to look for. As with anything you are going to get what you pay for but because the classes are being broadcast over the web you will not need anything fancy. Basically the one thing that you should verify on the webcam before your purchase is that it is rated for 30 frames per second(also known as FPS). If the webcam is below this number(many are 15 FPS) then the video will be choppy and the students will not be able to clearly see what you are doing. For microphones, nothing fancy is needed. I'm using a $5 mic which I think serves the purpose. As far as price range, I would think your looking at around $30 for the entire package. I spent around $50 on mine and I am not sure that the video quality is noticeably better. Just install the webcam like you would any other software. Read the directions and follow the instructions. Once it gets close to your class we can sit down and make sure you get plugged into the VFTC software without any problems. Microphones are easy to install, just plug it into the mic input on your computer which is normally located near the speaker input. How to start a class Starting a class is simple. Start a new topic in the VFTC forum (click here) announcing that you are accepting sign-ups for a new class. Be sure to indicate when the class is, what you will be tying, the difficulty level of the fly, materials needed for those tying along, and how many students you will accept into the class. As of right now I have a 20 seat license for my media server which means you can have up to 19 students. I haven't tested that many people in the room yet, the most I have had was 10. You are more than welcome to limit the class to whatever you see fit. I will probably try to sit in the first few classes just to make sure everybody's equipment is working properly. I personally believe that you do not have to have prior teaching experience to instruct a virtual class. Everybody is welcomed and encouraged to give it a try.