Top 7 tips to get the best from online tutoring
At KTL Tuition, our tutors are focused on delivering the best possible online tutoring experience for your children. We've gathered some guidelines to ensure your child gets the most out of their online tuition.
The best possible online tutoring experience is one in which the student feels as if the tutor is right there with them. The technology fades into the background as learning takes centre stage. With this in mind, here are some quick tips to help your child maximise the learning experience.
1. Be prepared -tech wise
Remind your child to be prepared at least five minutes before the session starts.
- We use Zoom so check access and logins
- Students should have their laptop/tablet charged or plugged in and on a flat surface (a desk is ideal)
- Make sure the camera is clean and at the best angle, it may mean putting the device on some books/box etc.
- Mobiles are not suitable for tutoring nor are beds.
- To maximize the ability to hear the tutor eliminate background noises, such as TV's or use a headset.
- Check to make sure that what’s behind the screen isn’t distracting.
- Make sure the family knows the session is on so they don’t inadvertently disrupt it.
2. Be prepared resource wise
Make sure any resources needed during the session are ready too. These can be online such as OneNote/Google docs or hard copy resources such as text books.
3. Get the right tools for any learning differences
Technology has come a long way and introduced many useful tools for all of us, especially those with learning differences.
Changing the font can be helpful, your child could trial using Opendyslexic3 or Comic Sans. Make sure you let the tutor know what suits best.
Other tools include:
- Using speech to text, e.g., voice dictation in Google Docs
- Grammar tools: e.g., Ginger the AI powered writing assistant, or Grammarly.
- The Augsburg University Website
4. How to tell if your child is paying attention
Many children actually concentrate just as well, if not better, on a screen rather than in a face-to-face lesson. These days, technology is an accepted part of our society, not just in our personal or work lives but also increasingly within education.
Any device comes with the opportunity for distraction; however, your child is not watching an online lecture. Aside from the tutor being able to tell if your child is distracted, online tutoring is too interactive to allow time for the student to scroll through the internet.
Each session can be recorded for reference.
5. Time management
With home schooling, there is no bell to remind students it’s time for the next class.
For those who need some help with organisation, try:
- Google Keep to access visual and audio reminders
- Time Timer has apps for android, iOS or desktop - perfect for us all
6. Glitches
Even the best planning and preparedness can’t prevent the occasional glitch.
If the audio feed echoes, the video is delayed, or a laptop runs out of battery (things that are no different from the kind of disruptions that might happen during an in-person session), your tutor will have a troubleshooting plan to resolve such problems quickly, then get back to tutoring.
7. Feedback
You will continue to receive emailed feedback after each and every session. If you have any concerns or feedback (great, good or otherwise) please email Marie at anytime.
Extra resources
Although many schools have put together an excellent online learning programme, there are a plethora of websites out there with excellent resources to support your child's home learning.
This Australian based website that has a wealth of resources to support learning from babies through to high schoolers. For younger kids, there are heaps of tips on how to include Maths and literacy in everyday activities. For high schoolers, there are a range or practical articles on everything from good nutrition through to cyber bullying.
We also have a downloadable PDF that contains links to educational websites for children preschool through to Year 6. We have websites that cover English, Maths, mindfulness and a list of 100 fun activities to do indoors.
