The world of education has changed massively in a short period of time, prompting tutors to reinvent themselves and offer tutoring online. Given the circumstances in which this digital shift has taken place, many tutors have entered the world of online tutoring without knowing the best online tutoring tools.
As a result, many tutors have begun providing online tutoring through platforms that were not designed for educational purposes. Although they can serve the essential purpose, they are far from the best solution for online teaching. In this article you will learn the best way to give online tutoring.
Disadvantages of online tutoring via Zoom
A good private teacher can give online tutoring via any device, including a smartphone if necessary. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t even better alternatives and tools for online tutoring.
The main reason Zoom is not the best solution is because it is designed for short business meetings and therefore lacks many features for online tutoring. Using Zoom for online tutoring requires additional tools for messaging, scheduling, homework, and exchanging documents. Besides, video conferences can also be used to discuss, learn, and solve past papers of your course. For instance, HAT past papers are often discussed over the video conference.
Zoom’s success is largely due to the fact that the free version only lasts 40 minutes, but is ideal for group conferences. While it can be a useful tool for businesses, many tutors will find that Zoom is inadequate for online tutoring and lacks many features.
Top 4 Zoom alternatives for online tutoring
As with anything new, you have to do a little trial and error to find out which online teaching tool suits you best.
There are many applications for online tutoring, but these are the best tools for tutors:
GoStudent:
GoStudent is designed for tutoring. As the number 1 tutoring school in the world, GoStudent matches students with tutors and saves both parties the hassle of searching. It also offers a range of tools including an individual learning plan for each child, a virtual classroom, screen sharing and much more.
Microsoft Teams:
This application is Microsoft’s answer to the topic of video calls. With this app you can make video calls, send messages, plan lessons, develop ideas using the whiteboard app, and share and edit documents. In contrast to GoStudent, with Teams you first have to look for a tutor or tutor yourself.
Google Meet:
This app stands out for its Google quality and compatibility with all devices. Its features include free video calls of up to an hour, live chat, and integration with Google Calendar. However, since it is primarily designed for business meetings, it does not have any specific tools for educational purposes.
Skype:
Skype is one of the most famous video calling applications. Skype offers video calling, recording, screen sharing and chat features. However, similar to Google Meet, it does not have dedicated tools for online tutoring.
Although online tutoring was a solution for many during the pandemic, it has prevailed. For this reason, it is best to opt for a professional solution that covers as many needs as possible. Make sure the platform on which you give or take tutoring offers the best possible teaching experience.
What to look for in an online tutoring platform?
Aside from the basic need for an app or platform with video capability, the perfect online teaching platform largely depends on the learners’ and teachers’ own preferences and needs. For some, a simple video calling app may be enough, while others are looking for a platform with a variety of digital tools. To each his own.
However, there are some things that all online tutors should keep in mind and we have compiled them in the list below:
Smooth video calls: The most important thing for any online tutoring session is that you can clearly see and hear each other. Although this usually depends on the WiFi connection, some applications are better suited than others.
Document sharing: Having a shared folder with students where all notes, topics, and lesson content are stored is extremely convenient. It is also important to be able to share the screen to show presentations and other digital tools that make tutoring more interactive.
Organization and scheduling: Online teaching usually requires more organization than face-to-face teaching because online teachers usually have a large number of learners with different abilities. That’s why it’s important to be able to organize tutoring lessons by grade level and to have a calendar for planning and booking tutoring sessions.
Centralized messaging system: When it comes to online tutoring, the exchange between teachers and students is very important. Emails and messages can easily be lost or not read. That’s why it’s important that the online tutoring tool has a centralized and efficient messaging system so that everything related to tutoring can be clarified there.
In addition to these 4 essential features, there are also platforms that go beyond these, such as GoStudent, which allow learners to find tutors online and receive online tutoring in the same place.
Advantages of GoStudent for Online Tutoring
Dedicated to Education: GoStudent is purpose-built for online tutoring. As the world’s leading tutoring school, it is tailor-made for students and tutors, making it an excellent choice for educators seeking a seamless online teaching experience.
Matchmaking: GoStudent simplifies the process of connecting students with suitable tutors. This feature eliminates the hassle of searching for the right tutor and ensures that students get the help they need quickly.
Individual Learning Plans: GoStudent offers personalized learning plans for each student. These customized plans help students progress at their own pace and ensure that the tutoring experience is tailored to their specific needs and learning style.
Virtual Classroom: GoStudent provides a virtual classroom environment that fosters effective online learning. Tutors can conduct lessons, share materials, and interact with students in a virtual space designed for educational purposes.
Screen Sharing: The platform allows screen sharing, which is invaluable for presentations, interactive lessons, and sharing educational content. This feature enhances the interactivity of online tutoring sessions.
Microsoft Teams for Online Tutoring
Versatility: Microsoft Teams is a versatile platform that offers video calls, messaging, lesson planning, and document sharing. It is a comprehensive tool that can cater to a wide range of educational needs.
Whiteboard App: The inclusion of a whiteboard app in Microsoft Teams allows tutors to illustrate concepts, brainstorm ideas, and engage students in collaborative activities.
Collaboration: Teams is designed for group collaboration, making it a suitable choice for educators who want to encourage teamwork and interaction among students.
Google Meet for Online Tutoring
Google Integration: Google Meet seamlessly integrates with Google Calendar, making scheduling and managing tutoring sessions straightforward. It’s also compatible with various devices, ensuring accessibility for both students and tutors.
Free Video Calls: Google Meet offers free video calls of up to an hour, which is useful for one-on-one tutoring sessions. The live chat feature allows for quick communication between tutors and students.
Quality Assurance: Google’s reputation for quality and reliability extends to Google Meet, ensuring a stable and consistent online tutoring experience.
Skype for Online Tutoring
Video Calling: Skype is renowned for its high-quality video calling capabilities. It provides clear video and audio, making it suitable for interactive online tutoring.
Recording: Skype offers a recording feature, allowing tutors to record sessions for future reference or for students to revisit lessons.
Screen Sharing: Like other platforms, Skype supports screen sharing, which is valuable for sharing materials and presenting information visually.
