An online tutor is a teacher who teaches in a virtual setup with the help of a computer, webcam, mic, internet, and demonstration technology. Traditional tutoring involves the physical presence of the teacher and students gathered in a place to learn. The global pandemic made people stay back in their homes and not travel. That led to the increasing interest in online tutors.
Virtual setup
In this virtual setup, students can stay at home and connect to an online tutor with the help of a computer with an internet connection. Online tutors can have one-on-one or multiple student sessions based on the requirements. This virtual setup is called Learning Management System and provides necessary aids to online tutoring.
An online tutor can watch the student and vice versa via a webcam. An online tutor uses demonstration material like a touchpad while writing; the content is displayed on the student’s computer screen. The audio conversations via a mic are established from both sides. An online tutor can use the technology and share images, videos, and other materials with the student via a chat box for easy understanding.
Online tutor responsibility
Even though the technology is new, several improvements and further advancements are being introduced to aid the learning process. The role of an online tutor is to be aware of these advancements and gain the necessary training to use them in teaching.
An online tutor should convey the technology used to students before tutoring and make them comfortable using it. They should also possess sound knowledge of the technology and update themselves with the same.
How to be an online tutor?
An online tutor should communicate clearly with the student, convey the study material and explain the concepts and ideas effectively. They should be able to use different demonstration techniques like augmented reality customized for online teaching.
The session should be very interactive, and tutors should ask questions to follow them and clarify the concepts. Experienced tutors make the sessions livelier and more interactive.
Advantages of online tutor
- Online tutors are virtually anywhere and anytime, so there is no need to travel and waste time.
- Online sessions can be downloaded and watched repeatedly to revise or get clarity of the concepts.
- Tutors can be changed quickly and experimented with until you find the one you are comfortable with.
