The shift to online tutoring has become essential in recent years, with platforms like Lessonspace, Zoom, Google Meets, and others facilitating this transition. As students and tutors navigate this new learning environment, there are several strategies and benefits to consider for maximising the online tutoring experience.
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:
- Lessonspace: A virtual classroom platform available to Learnmate tutors (for free!) designed specifically for online tutoring, offering a range of interactive tools;
- Zoom: Known for its robust features, including screen sharing, breakout rooms, and virtual whiteboards;
- Google Meets: Provides a reliable and user-friendly interface with easy integration for those with Google accounts;
- Microsoft Teams: Offers comprehensive collaboration tools and is often used in educational institutions.
Tutors will typically familiarise themselves and with one or more of these platforms to provide flexibility and choose the best option that suits their students' needs.
Overcoming Connectivity Issues
A common challenge with online tutoring is ensuring a stable internet connection. Here are some tips to address this issue:
- Turn off video: If the connection is unstable, try switching off the video to improve audio quality;
- Mobile hotspot: Use mobile data to create a hotspot if the home internet is unreliable or find a wifi spot if you were having issues with hotspotting;
- Phone call: For a more stable connection, tutors can conduct lessons via regular phone calls while working on shared documents online.
It's also worth noting that students can connect to Zoom sessions by calling in, which uses no data or Wi-Fi.
Maximising Learning in an Online Environment
Effective online tutoring requires a bit more planning than in-person sessions. Here are some strategies:
- Share documents in advance: Students should share worksheets and documents with their tutors before lessons;
- Photograph hard copies: Take photos of hard copy work to share digitally;
- Preparation reminders: Tutors can send reminders to students to prepare necessary materials for the lesson.
These steps help ensure a smooth and productive online tutoring session.
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.
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.
About Learnmate
Learnmate is a trusted Australian community platform that connects students with experienced tutors for 1:1 or small group study support. Whether you need help with primary school subjects, high school science and maths, or niche subjects like visual communication, Learnmate can help improve academic performance and boost confidence.
We ensure a reliable and positive experience for both students and tutors. Each tutor on our platform is vetted for academic excellence, teaching qualifications, or relevant experience. Tutors also have the opportunity to complete professional training.
Easily find and screen tutors based on location, subject expertise, and whether they offer in-person or online sessions. Learnmate proudly serves cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Geelong, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra, Perth & Adelaide, and more.
Get ahead with Learnmate. Start your search today.
