Virtual Tutoring
Virtual Tutoring is a new service which allows for us to have a tutoring session, no matter where in the world you are located. Virtual tutoring is easy and does not require any specialized software or complex instructions to setup. In fact, virtual tutoring is offered through a browser plugin based on Flash technology from Adobe, the makers of PhotoShop and the inventors of the PDF. Virtual tutoring is safe and easy. Through virtual tutoring, we have an entire classroom experience with a whiteboard, integrated chatroom, and file sharing. You can also share your screen safely and securely so that you can work on your own computer, with your own files. The screenshot below shows what a virtual tutoring window looks like:
Virtual tutoring is easy to use and convenient for everyone. It reduces travel time and is perfect during the cold winter months, when you are stuck inside and it may be too dangerous to be out on the roads. Through virtual tutoring it is easy to schedule an appointment at any time of the day or to request a session even when you are not local or are on the road traveling. In order to give you a better idea of the virtual tutoring experience, check out the following FAQs:
What technologies are used for Virtual Tutoring?
Virtual tutoring primarily relies upon the Adobe Connect plugin. The Adobe Connect plugin is a professionally created commercial tool created by Adobe Systems, a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ. The plugin installs into your browser and works on both PC and Mac operating system and on most web browsers. If you can view videos on sites like YouTube, then you can use the plug-in required for virtual tutoring. The plugin will allow you to enter the virtual classroom and will also allow you to share your screen and to view notes and presentations that I will provide. The virtual classroom includes voice-chat using your PCs microphone, however, I recommend getting a free account from
Skype. Skype is a traditional instant messaging program with incredibly good voice-chat quality. By using Skype or the built-in voice chat I am able to reduce the high costs and power quality associated with traditional telephone conversations. It is also highly recommended that you have a reliable broadband connection like a cable, DSL, or T1+ Internet. All of the software used for the virtual tutoring experience is free and easy to use, and is supported by big name tech companies.
What are the features of the Virtual Classroom?
The virtual classroom has many exciting functions to provide an experience comparable, and in some ways better, than the traditional in-person tutoring environment. The virtual classroom is a Flash-based application composed of several modules. Some of the default modules include the chat-room, whiteboard, shared notes, and file-transfer. The most useful module for our virtual classroom experience is the screen and application sharing window. Now, no matter where in the world you are, I can see you working on your own desktop in real time and help guide you through the activities. The screen sharing technology is so advanced that I can even move your mouse for you to help point you to the right place (for security, you must explicitly allow this feature, but it is very easy and requires only a few mouse clicks). Also, I can share my screen with you to provide demonstration and step by step guides and to go through presentations and tutorials. Let me highlight the abilities of some of the other features. The whiteboard is a freeform drawing surface, which I frequently use to draw diagrams and flow charts to help you understand concepts. The shared notes module provides useful place to keep notes up as we go through your class to provide a quick reference on the lesson; shared notes can even be saved to a text file on your computer for later review. Lastly, the file sharing module allows us to easily share files without the hassle of email or file sharing websites, also increasing security.
What goes on in a Virtual Tutoring Session?
The virtual tutoring session is very similar to a live session. Before we begin your online virtual session, we will work together to create a lesson plan and establish learning objectives. During your session, I will give presentations and explain concepts. We can then use the built-in screen sharing features of the virtual classroom to work on practice exercises and examples. The virtual classroom has some useful features that really enhance the learning experience including the whiteboard and shared notes, which are explained above. In your virtual tutoring session, we can cover any material that you want to learn. For a list of suggested topics, please visit the main tutoring page by clicking here.
How much does Virtual Tutoring Cost?
Virtual tutoring relies upon low-cost technologies and greatly reduces travel time and expenses. Therefore, the standard rates for virtual tutoring are less than an in-person session. You of course will receive the same quality session as if it were live; the lower cost is attributed to the reduction in travel time. For the exact rate, please visit the tutoring fees page by clicking here. Please make sure to review the payment policies and procedures at the bottom of the tutoring fees page.
Still have some questions about virtual tutoring?
Please be sure to contact me if you have any questions about virtual tutoring or my tutoring services in general. I would be glad to answer any of your questions and can even take you for a free test drive through the virtual classroom environment. Click here to go to my contact page.