I had tutored students in-person for eight years when I was suddenly thrust into the world of online tutoring in 2016. I “had” to learn how, because I wanted to continue working with these awesome sisters, Olivia and Ashley. They were ice skaters training at the World Arena.
Another family with two ice skaters whom I tutored recommended me to them. Olivia and Ashley were doing an online homeschooling program, and their mom wanted me to provide some math support.
Originally, we met in their home or at the World Arena Ice Hall snack bar between sessions on the ice.
When I learned they were moving back East, I was disappointed, because I enjoyed tutoring these fun girls so much. They were used to meeting teachers online, so their mom asked me if I would consider tutoring them remotely. I did some research into the programs and equipment needed to teach a student from a totally different part of the country. Would it be as effective? Would it be frustrating? How would I see their assignments and show them how to work out math problems?
I quickly learned that online tutoring works well, can be just as effective, and has many benefits!
I use a free, web-based program that allows us to video chat and share an interactive whiteboard or share whatever is on my screen. We can write using a laptop with a touchscreen, a laptop or desktop computer with a mouse (trackpads are cumbersome), a tablet with a touch screen, or a computer with a writing tablet plugged in.
As I write a problem on the shared web whiteboard, the student sees it appear as I’m writing. Then she can work the problem in a different color, and I see it in real-time. I can circle any errors, and she can fix them.
This online platform has allowed Olivia and Ashley to be tutored in some interesting settings, including: ice rink snack bars, foyers, a party room at the rink, outside, hotel rooms while away for competitions, home (sometimes in their jammies), a doctor’s office waiting room, a rental house while on vacation, and even in the car using a mobile hotspot. Noise-canceling headphones are necessary in loud places but aren’t necessary in a quiet setting.
One day, Ashley had to go along for her sister’s orthodontist appointment. We tutored in the waiting room, then in the car as they drove home, and then back at home — all in one 90-minute session!
Sometimes I even get to meet a tiny cousin or pet who visits during a session.
Since I started tutoring online, I have helped various students with the writing process, editing essays, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, algebra 2, biology, and college-level ecology online. It all works great. I have worked with students in Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Atlanta, China, and Canada.
I love the flexibility of online tutoring, and so do parents. We can meet in the evening and no one has to leave their house. Parents can be getting things done at home instead of waiting for their child at a library or other location, and bad weather is not an issue. Germs aren’t passed if someone is slightly ill. When I’m sitting next to students, it’s kind of difficult to look over their arms at their textbook and work. I also can’t see their face well to see if they are confused. Online, our faces and the problem being worked out are both clearly visible.
Despite all of these benefits, I do sometimes miss in-person get-togethers. Olivia was back in town visiting over winter break, and we got to meet for breakfast. Although we had “met” for three hours per week for three years, nothing beats a real, live hug!
These two no longer need tutoring and are able to “fly” on their own, now that they have changed schools. They sent me this sweet thank you note.
They also sent this funny math mug that says “i 8 sum pi and it was delicious!” 😁
I’m so grateful for the years I got to be their tutor and that they “pushed me” into online tutoring!
