Whilst working as a tutor, I have had a few students that I have taught online. This has presented me with the opportunity to think about how to ensure that the sessions are just as effective and engaging online as they would be in person. Here are some of my best tips for making sure online tutoring is a success!

1. Know which online platform you and your student like to use. At first, I used Zoom but the 40-minute time limit made it somewhat frustrating and disjointed to have to send a second link to the student to finish the rest of the lesson. My favourite platform now is Google Meet!

2. Get across all the features these video-calling platforms have. Trying out the screen sharing tool and whiteboard are always handy so you can be prepared when teaching your student.

3. Make use of the chat function! I am always sending through worksheets and resources through the chat function when I am teaching a student online. I also find that the chat function can be useful at the beginning of the session for you to write down the lesson plan, ensuring the lesson runs smoothly with the clear use of time blocks.

4. Find additional websites and tools to make online sessions fun! Quizlet and Kahoot are great for online students as it provides an engaging way to practice active recall. Even having some diagrams or slides prepared is always effective.

5. Encourage the students to give you feedback! Especially if you are running an online session for the first time or with a new student, ask them what they found beneficial and what could be improved. This also allows them to feel more comfortable as they can see that you are actively taking onboard their advice to ensure that lessons are effective, engaging and fun!

Kristina McLean