important notes on online tutoring

[shiprag]

Online tutoring is the use of the Internet for tutoring activities. It is the process by which a student learns via the Internet with the help of an subject matter expert or a tutor. This type of tutoring can make use of several web-based programs to achieve its goals. Some of these programs or applications are email, an instant messaging, online whiteboards (as provided with Microsoft netmeeting), etc.
Through these programs or applications a tutor can send quizzes, receive accomplished exams, send quiz results and recommendations, teach concepts, etc. Moreover, with online tutoring students can learn at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes.
Online Tutoring Applications
Several programs are needed for online tutoring. One of the most important is an instant messaging application through which the student and the tutor can communicate via text, voice and video. An online whiteboard can also serve as a place where both the student and the tutor can write down, draw, or visualize the concepts that they are discussing.
Online tutoring is most effective when voice, video, graphics, and text can all be used at the same time. However, this option may not be practical for those who are only using dial-up connections or other low-bandwidth Internet connection types. Most of these technologies are tailored for low bandwidth usage, with the exception of real time video, full color document sharing, and high quality sound replication. In most cases, any modern computer purchased post 2005 should easily be able to handle the applications required.
Differences between Regular Tutoring and Online Tutoring
Traditional tutors have an advantage over online tutors as they have physical face to face communication capabilities. This allows traditional tutors to gain a personal rappor for the students being tutored, and allows them to determine with a look what might take significant time to determine over an online tutoring session.
Online tutors have an additional burden as they have to have access to computer equipment, an Internet connection, appropriate useful tutorial applications, or applications that suit well for online tutoring, and additional computer hardware that may assist in the tutorial practice. Some of these additional hardware peripherals might include a webcam, headset with microphone, scanner, fax, and drawing tablet.
Because of the limitations in bandwidth and ease of using online tutoring applications or programs, online tutoring requires more time and effort on the tutor?s part. With online tutoring, tutors needs to prepare more materials before the session itself to maximize the efficiency of the tutorial session. Online tutors also need more time beforehand to prepare the slides to be used in the course; the whiteboard will be used only to emphasize important points.
Depending on the bandwidth, the size of the class must also be limited to ensure that every student has access to the needed materials. The attention span of students is also shorter in online tutoring than in conventional means. This is because there a lot more distractions like the TV, radio, etc. in an online tutoring class than in a conventional one.
Requirements for Online Tutoring
For online tutoring, the following applications or programs and equipment are required. For maximum effectiveness, a broadband connection with a minimum speed of 128 kilobytes per second is prescribed. This will ensure that the tutoring process will be smooth. A headset containing a microphone and a speaker to be used in conjunction with voice chat applications is also required in order to save on phone bills. An online whiteboard or a shared screen where the lesson will be posted and discussed and a web camera for videos are also necessary.
Security is a primary concern, however; parents must ensure the security of their children. This is possible if parents use only trusted online tutoring sites.

[Scott Palat]

Thank you for sharing this information.

There are a few points, I have to respectfully disagree with you on. This is the advantage of our community. We can get different opinions and learn different views about online tutoring.

I think that students are more in their realm of happiness when being tutored online vs face to face. I've seen students become intimidated when being tutored in person.

I also think a tutor can build rapport if they take the time to care and consult with the parent + student at the same time via phone. I recommend that all online tutors use video email as a tool to build rapport. A simple follow up video email after each session makes a world of difference in the parent's eyes.

One other tips for building rapport is to send a thank you card or note and let your clients know you appreciate them. Tutors must build rapport with both student and parent.

From a technical aspect, the biggest pain is getting your online tutoring classroom set up + getting the voice to work. Once you get your systems in place, it's easy to conduct an online tutoring session. I found that face to face video is more of a distraction during an online tutoring session. All you really need is a good whiteboard with tools and built in voice to conduct an effective online tutoring session.

[Don]

Hello to everyone!!! I have been doing online teaching with several schools for around 5 or 6 years now. While some of these technology issues make the tutoring experience easier, I have found that tutoring and teaching these students have been very efficient with just the capability of "talking" with them by use of a medium such as YAHOO Messenger. Yes, you have to be creative in your ability to communicate, but the results have been positive.

However, I think it is time for me to begin to set up my own tutoring site and become an independent contractor. So, any suggestions on steps to get started?
Don

[Scott Palat]

You came to the right place!

I'll be announcing a teleconference next month where I'll be interviewed about my 3 previous online tutoring business + how to start your own. I've been tutoring online since 2003 when I launched www.ehomeworkhelp.com. I hope you'll be able to make the call.

I agree that voice/talking is key when tutoring online, but sometimes it's a pain to configure microphones on other people's computers.

As far as advice to get started goes, I recommend business cards, flyers and a form letter to give to local schools. This alone can land you 5 - 10 clients within a week or two if done right. I can help you with the details. On your written materials, I recommend using www.TutorFi.com/demo.asf on your card. Or you can create your own to show parents what online tutoring is.

You can get a simple website set up by going to www.hotbargaindomains.com. Depending on your situation + html knowledge, you might want to look at the Tonight program which makes it easy to create your own website and it's very affordable.

Let me know what other questions you have.

[Roger Bodor]

What has your experience been with regards to working in local community vs having a web site. Where do most of your clients come from? What would you consider to be a break point to start a website to justify cost?

[Scott Palat]

You can actually do both. Your website can be advertised in the local community. I am actually putting together some great local marketing tools that can be used with or without a website. I'll have more details on this soon.

I stopped advertising for my own clients last year. Right now, www.ehomeworkhelp.com, www.live-etutor.com and www.owlonlinetutoring.com are generating leads for my tutors. I am about to start a program that will allow my tutors to access the leads + use my online tutoring software.

In the past, I focused on marketing my service online, but that was because we were tutoring dozens of students and hiring lots of tutors.

This is not what i would recommend for an individual online tutor who is just starting out. For any tutor who wants to get 5 - 10 clients and count on tutoring them a few times per week, advertising local is the way to go. You'll be able to build a tighter relationship with your clients + your advertising costs will be free or worse case very affordable. Online advertising can cost hundreds of dollars in the blink of an eye.

You can start a website for $10 per year if you go to www.hotbargaindomains.com and buy a domain name. Once you do this, you can redirect it to a free page from yahoo or myspace. This is not the most professional way to go, but it can work. The Tonight program on hotbargaindomains.com can give you a professional website for under $5 per month. If you create a website, feel free to use www.TutorFi.com/demo.asf on your site. This will show parents what an online tutoring session is all about.

I hope this helps!

[Roger Bodor]

Thank you very much Scott!

Your insight is very helpfull.

I actually thought that I might try to test my practice with my nephews, as they go to a local school only a few blocks away from my house. In fact, I attended those schools myself.

I know my newphew and a freind of his are having a little trouble with a couple of subjects, so I thought maybe I could provide a free trial to see how it works. Since the school is so close, I was thinking of dropping by to introduce myself and see if I might be able to talk with the teachers to get up to date with the current curriculum and maybe even get some of the books, etc. they are using or possibly get some sort of electronic or web based class structure that I could follow along with.

What are your thoughts on this approach?

[Scott Palat]

This is a great approach, but you must be prepared. You need to print form letters so the secretary can deliver your letter into each teachers mailbox.

Here is a sample letter I offer in my ebook "Blueprint For Online Tutoring Success".

Sample letter

XYY Junior High School
Attn: Math Department

Dear Math Department Teachers,

Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. I am writing to offer my online tutoring services to your math department students. Since starting my online tutoring business, I have found most of my students get excited for their tutoring sessions.

I have helped many students improve their grades, confidence and attitude and would like to expand my services to any of your struggling math students.

I set up a demonstration at www.TutorFi.com/highspeeddemo.asf so you can see how my online tutoring sessions work.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my services or need any reference information. I have included some business cards for any parents or students in need of tutoring.

If you know of any students who can benefit from additional tutoring, I would be grateful for a referral. Online tutoring sessions can take place from any computer with an internet connection.

Thanks again, and I look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Your Name



To get real good results with this letter, use the teachers first name instead of the "department" name.


This should help you get started fast.

[Ramesh.]

Hai .Great to go through the contents and it was informative . I am very seriously looking for the oppurtunity to start my Own Online tutoring firm because i myself has previously worked as online tutor for globetutors.com handling maths upto grade12.I was appreciated by Many parents for the skill i possess teaching mathematics.Please forward information about how to start initially online tutoring firm step by step and currently availble good white board.
Thanks much
Ramesh.B

[Scott Palat]

There are many details about "how to start an online tutoring business". I actually wrote an ebook called Blueprints For Online Tutoring Success. You can view the details at www.TutorFi.com/ebook.asp. This is extremely detailed information and you might want to start out reading my free report which is located on the right side of this forum.

Let me know if you have any specific questions after reading my free report or my eBook.

I'll also be conducting a live call on November 18th at 9pm eastern time. I'll be replaying an interview I did with Kasey Hammond of mytutorspace.com. The call will be available for free and all you'll have to do is call the number I provide at that time.

I'll be giving more details on this shortly.