Your Space Matters
You don't need a professional kitchen. What helps is having consistent lighting and a clear view of your workspace. Natural light from a window works brilliantly during morning sessions.
Equipment Reality Check
Most smartphones from the last three years handle video perfectly fine. The trick isn't the camera quality — it's positioning it where you can actually see the demonstration and your own work simultaneously.
Timing Your Practice
Live sessions run between 90 minutes to two hours. Having your ingredients measured beforehand makes a massive difference. We learned this the hard way during our first virtual workshop in February 2024.
Setting Up for Success
Audio Beats Video Quality
You'd think crisp video would be essential. Actually, clear audio matters more. When Fionnuala from Cardiff started her first session with earbuds instead of laptop speakers, she caught technique details she'd been missing for weeks. Something about reducing echo and picking up the subtle sounds of working with tempered chocolate.
The Two-Device Approach
This sounds excessive until you try it. One screen for the instructor's demonstration, another for your reference materials or recipe notes. Tablets work great as secondary screens. Keeps you from constantly minimizing windows and losing your place.
Prep Your Questions Earlier
Write down three specific things you want clarification on before the session starts. There's always that moment when the instructor asks "any questions?" and your mind goes blank. Having them noted somewhere visible helps enormously.
Temperature Control Matters
Your kitchen temperature affects chocolate work more than you'd expect. Instructors can guide you through adjustments, but they need to know your environment. Keep a basic thermometer handy and mention if your space runs particularly warm or cool.
Creating Your Learning Environment
Dedicated Workspace
Find a spot you can leave set up between sessions. Moving everything each time kills momentum. Even a corner of your kitchen counter works if it stays relatively clear.
- Counter space for both prep and presentation work
- Easy access to running water and cleaning supplies
- Electrical outlet within reach for heating equipment
- Enough room to position your device at arm's length
Lighting Setup
Overhead kitchen lights create harsh shadows. Side lighting from a window or desk lamp helps you see colour and texture changes in chocolate — crucial for tempering.
- Position main light source to your side, not directly overhead
- White surfaces nearby help bounce light evenly
- Avoid backlighting from windows behind your workspace
- Consistent lighting helps with colour accuracy in plating
Material Organization
Having everything within arm's reach reduces stress during timed techniques. We recommend small containers for pre-measured ingredients rather than working from original packaging.
- Small prep bowls for measured ingredients before session
- Tools laid out in order of use (learned this from Rhiannon)
- Clean towels for quick cleanup between steps
- Notebook positioned where you can jot quick notes
Connection Backup
Internet hiccups happen. Having a backup plan keeps you from missing critical demonstration moments. Recording isn't usually allowed, but having session materials downloaded beforehand helps.
- Test your connection 15 minutes before session starts
- Know where your router reset button is (just in case)
- Download any reference materials ahead of time
- Keep instructor contact details handy for technical issues
Staying Engaged Through a Screen
Remote learning removes some of the natural accountability you get in person. These approaches help maintain focus without feeling forced about it.
Active Participation Habits
Turn your camera on even when it feels awkward. Instructors adjust their pacing based on visual feedback from participants. And there's something about knowing you're visible that keeps you from getting distracted by other browser tabs. We've watched engagement levels change dramatically when people keep cameras on during technique demonstrations.
Practice Between Sessions
Most courses through 2026 include practice assignments between live sessions. Actually doing them makes follow-up sessions far more valuable. You'll have specific questions based on real attempts rather than theoretical confusion. Elowen mentioned she'd been watching techniques for months but understanding only clicked when she tried (and failed) on her own first.
Building Virtual Connections
Chat with other participants before and after sessions. The informal conversation helps build context for why people are learning and what challenges they're facing. Some of our most helpful technique exchanges happened in those 5-minute windows before formal instruction started. Plus it makes asking questions during sessions feel less intimidating.