How to tutor online using video platforms

The global Covid-19 pandemic has had profound effects on how we work – there is not an industry that hasn’t been impacted by the crisis. For those that have worked as private tutors, these impacts have been significant and are likely to be long lasting.

Even though private tutoring is a burgeoning profession, the majority of tutors were still working face-to-face and one-on-one. Online tutoring has been on the rise but was seen more as a supplementary add-on to the services tutors already provided. Indeed, most tutors did not offer this service at all. However, all this has changed in recent weeks and there will be more onus on tutors to provide online learning services if they are to continue to attract students.

Online learning is becoming an increasingly essential component of the education system. Most UK universities are now offering online courses and compliment these with video tutorial, video tutorials and live streamed lectures. Private tutoring is also evolving in this aspect with research showing that more and more parents are choosing tutors who offer online video calls.

With advancements in technology and the improving usability of online video communications, it has never been easier to set yourself and your services up online. There are now many video platforms to choose from – including Skype and the increasingly popular Zoom. Both allow for the sharing of documents and other resources which makes them perfect for online tutoring.

How to set yourself up as an online tutor

Choose the right platform for you and also consider the devices you have access to. A very simple way of dipping your toe into online video communications is to use mobile phone-based services such as FaceTime. More professional and multi-faceted platforms like Skype and Zoom allow for more varied interaction and help to deliver a range of different learning practices.

However, it’s important to choose a platform that works for both the tutor and the student. Here’s some things to consider:

  • The quality of the video – it’s important that both tutor and student can see each other and the materials they are using to monitor progress and quality of work. Some tutors use DSLR cameras linked into their computers which provides HD video quality. You can also buy HD webcams that are easily inputted into your desktop or laptop computer – although most modern laptops come with this feature as standard.
  • The quality of the audio – there are very good mics in-built into most mobile devices and desktops – you can also use headphones with mics that can be inputted into your devices.
  • Screen sharing – Zoom and Skype both offer screen sharing. This creates a number of opportunities to be interactive with your students, guide them through lesson plans and monitor their work.
  • Screen sharing is an increasingly important tool and is becoming an essential tool for online tutors. The ability to instantaneously share resources such a documents, images and quizzes means you will have the option to create a fully optimised and interactive learning experience. Mobile communication services such as FaceTime does not have this facility.
  • Time management – one of the advantages to online video tutoring is the convenience it offers to both parties. Travelling is completely taken out the equation meaning you have more time to actually work. However, it is still important to create specific lesson plans and timed classes. With Zoom you can schedule in specific time agreed slots where the video will cut out after a specified time and will provide notifications to both parties before each session ends.
  • Working from home can be problematic for some people – especially tutors with families. However, it is important to find a quiet space in which you can conduct your lessons this could be at home, a rented office or an accessible public space. The most successful online tutors are those that can create the best learning environments through the medium of video calls.
  • Zoom & Skype – there are free versions of both these platforms however, your time is limited. Typical lessons are anywhere between 45 minutes to 90 minutes and means it would be a wise decision to invest in one of their subscription packages. To create consistent scheduled time slots for your lessons and to ensure your appointments are not unduly interrupted it would be best to research the best packages for your services.
  • WIFI – your broadband connection is of the utmost important and should be optimised for live video conferencing. Interrupted sessions, poor connections and stalled communications is guaranteed to affect the quality of your work with students and will impact on your reputation and hence, how many clients you will be able to attract. If in doubt, just simply contact your internet provider and they will be able to advise on the best connection for your needs.

Now you have a general guide on what is required to start your online tutoring journey. The next step is to create visibility for the services you offer. Even if you have advanced to the stage of having your own website, driving traffic to it is another matter entirely.

This is where Tutolio come in – we are the UK’s leading online Tutor database and specialise in giving your services the visibility they deserve. We offer a range of packages to suit your needs with each guaranteeing a certain level of visibility and online traffic. Our marketing team works to ensure that students and parents visit our database and we work with you to get your services in front of them.

We are currently offering a 3 Month Free Trial to all new Tutors who sign up with Tutolio. Register today and start your online tutoring journey and give your tutoring services the best possible shop window.

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