Online tutoring is here to stay. Whether you’re using Lessonspace (free for tutors on Learnmate), Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, a few small habits can transform lessons from “okay” to “outstanding”. Below you’ll find platform tips, a practical tech fallback plan, lesson-prep checklists, and the unique advantages of learning online.
For evidence on how well online tutoring works, see our companion guide: Is Online Tutoring Effective? (with study summaries and plain-English takeaways).
Choosing the right online tutoring platform
To ensure effective online tutoring, selecting the right platform is crucial. Some of the most popular choices among tutors and students include:
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Lessonspace (recommended on Learnmate): Built specifically for tutoring with an interactive whiteboard, shared notebooks, document upload/annotation, timer, and quick “focus” tools. Great for maths, sciences, writing feedback and language practice.
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Zoom: Reliable video, screen share, breakout rooms and a simple whiteboard.
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Google Meet: Light, fast, integrates with Google Docs/Slides/Drive.
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Microsoft Teams: Powerful collaboration suite; useful if your school uses Microsoft 365.
Quick pick: If you’re unsure, start with Lessonspace for its tutoring-first tools. If it's not for you, you can always revert to your preferred platform.
Your 60-second tech checklist (do this before every lesson)
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Headset plugged in and mic level checked
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Camera at eye level, light in front (not behind)
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Close unnecessary tabs; pause heavy downloads/streams
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Open the worksheet or doc you’ll share
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Test the whiteboard / pen tool (especially on tablets)
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Have your backup ready (see next section)
Overcoming connectivity issues (and keeping calm)
Even strong connections drop occasionally. Have two fallbacks ready:
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Video off, audio on: Turning video off improves audio stability.
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Hotspot: Switch your device to a phone hotspot when home Wi-Fi wobbles.
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Phone-in audio: Students can dial into Zoom/Meet by phone while both of you keep working on the shared whiteboard/doc.
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Reschedule protocol: Agree up front how you’ll handle a dropout after 10 minutes (e.g., extend next lesson or add a quick catch-up).
Tip for tutors: Put your backup link (e.g., Meet) in the calendar invite so it’s one click away.
Maximise learning with smart preparation
Online lessons reward a tiny bit of prep. Aim for one clear goal per session and use these habits:
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Share materials early: Students upload or send worksheets/essay prompts 24 hours before.
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Photo to digital: If it’s on paper, take a quick photo and upload to the classroom before the lesson.
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Start with a “Do Now”: 2–3 quick questions to focus attention while you check tech.
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Live modelling + check-for-understanding: Work steps on the board, then ask the student to “teach back” the process.
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Micro-feedback: Give specific, actionable feedback during the task, not just at the end.
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Finish with a recap + tiny target: One sentence summary + one practice task for next time.
Want the research on why these moves work online? See Is Online Tutoring Effective? for five study snapshots (secondary maths, early literacy, and more).
Unique Benefits of Online Tutoring
While online tutoring presents challenges, it also offers unique advantages:
- Convenience: Eliminating travel time allows students more time to study and tutors more time to prepare.
- Advanced teaching tools: Platforms like Lessonspace and Zoom offer features like screen sharing and virtual whiteboards, enhancing the learning experience.
- Flexible scheduling: Online tutoring makes it easier to schedule sessions at convenient times for both tutors and students.
- Safety and visibility: Parents can sit nearby or listen in from the next room.
Many may find that they prefer the flexibility and convenience of online tutoring, even as in-person sessions become possible again.
Conclusion
The transition to online tutoring, using platforms like Lessonspace, Zoom, Google Meets, and Teams, offers a range of benefits and opportunities for both tutors and students. By choosing the right platform, addressing connectivity issues, and planning lessons effectively, tutors can ensure a productive and engaging online learning experience. As we continue to navigate this new educational landscape, the advantages of online tutoring may lead to a lasting preference for virtual learning.
For more tips and resources on effective tutoring, connect with expert tutors on Learnmate.
FAQs
If you’re on Learnmate, start with Lessonspace for its tutoring-first tools. Keep Zoom or Google Meet as a backup in your calendar invite.
Use short “Do Now” tasks, live modelling on the whiteboard, frequent questions, and micro-feedback. End with a recap and a tiny target for next time.
Turn video off first. If it persists, switch to a phone hotspot or dial into the meeting by phone while you keep working on the shared doc/whiteboard. If all that fails, quickly send a message to your students or tutor (depending on which you are) and let them know what has happened and ask to rebook the lesson.
Yes — sending worksheets or prompts 24 hours ahead makes the lesson smoother and lets your tutor tailor explanations.
Yes. Targeted practice, syllabus-aligned feedback and exam strategies translate very well online. See our companion article Is Online Tutoring Effective? for the research highlights.
On Learnmate, filter by subject, level, availability and price. Read profiles and reviews, shortlist two or three, and book a short trial to check the fit.
