Online Tutoring Best Practices

Tutor Corps’ online tutoring sessions take place via Zoom, a free video conferencing software. Zoom is very professional, user-friendly, and has features such as: screen sharing, audio and video sharing, an interactive whiteboard, and the ability to record sessions. Students just click a link and easily enter their tutoring session! 

How to make your Zoom sessions as successful as possible: 

  • Know how to join your tutor’s scheduled session. Watch this 1 minute video on how to join.

  • Download the Zoom desktop app if you are using a computer/laptop, or the Zoom app if you’re using an Ipad or tablet.

  • Make sure your internet speed is in tip-top shape by running a speed test. Minimum download speed is 30 Mbps. 50+ is ideal!

  • Use headphones with a mic to prevent audio feedback. We recommend this pair, but any pair of headphones will do! 

  • Make sure you have an integrated or an external webcam. If you don’t have an integrated webcam, we recommend this external one.

  • Purchase and install a trackpad and digital pen if you’re doing online tutoring in math and science. We recommend this one (see install instructions below).

  • Share any relevant documents before your session, including:

    • Paper prompts and drafts (Google drive is great for this!)

    • Images of homework

    • Images of tests and quizzes

Setting up the digital pen/stylus

  • Plug in tablet using mini-USB

  • Go to XP-Pen website and select your model

  • Download the  driver install that is specific to your Mac or Window operating system (Note: XP-Pen is not compatible with Chromebooks)

  • Open the downloaded folder and:

    • Install driver

    • Find and open the how-to install manual specific to your operating system

  • Follow steps (make sure to follow the manual very carefully!)

  • Restart computer

If you have any issues, contact XP-Pen tech help: partners@xp-pen.com, 657-445-6129