The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has prompted Chinese vocational schools to start live streaming lessons teaching practical skills, such as cooking, as part of efforts to maintain teaching progress.

Wang Xingsheng teaches a class online. (Photo/Wang Haihan)

Wang Xingsheng, a senior technician of Chinese cuisine at a cuisine school in East China’s Anhui province, has become one of these “live streamers”.

Dressed in neat chef's clothes, Wang Xingsheng patiently explained the process of preparing shredded pork with garlic sauce, while his assistant, Chu Zhaolong, a teacher of Chinese food theory at the school, set up his mobile phone to start the live streaming, occasionally adjusting his position according to the chef’s actions.

Chu Zhaolong worked skilfully with Wang Xingsheng, capturing the best shot as the chef explained the key points of the process. The class was attended by 300 students from eight classes taking the Chinese food major at the school.

After two online classes lasting two hours, Wang Xingsheng's face was covered in sweat.

Wang Xingsheng has 30 years of teaching experience, but this year was the first time he had given live-streamed lessons. So far, he has taught more than 30 such classes. "I have live streamed classes teaching how to make omelette with tender leaves of Chinese toon, spicy pot, braised smelly mandarin fish, and freshly brewed Huainan Tofu."

Wang Xingsheng revealed that he began to prepare for live-stream classes more than a month ago. "At the beginning of each class, I will not start teaching right away. Instead, I will tell students to pay attention to key points, including clothing, equipment, equipment inspection, health and safety, and other issues."

"We will give priority to what students want to learn. Since the outbreak of the epidemic, we have also taught students some home-cooked dishes such as lily, spring bamboo and yam, which not only allows the students to learn practical skills, but also serves as culinary therapy to their families." To Wang's delight, the students have embraced the online approach.

"In the future, we will consider recording teaching videos of classic dishes of various cuisines and establishing an online platform for collaboration between families and schools," said Zhang Honghui, head of the school's academic affairs office.