Video conferencing is part of the daily routine of an online tutor. Various platforms like Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc. are used by the tutors to connect with the students. However, the video conferencing experience depends on some factors such as webcam quality, lighting conditions, internet connection, etc.
Similarly, there are various other things which the tutors must ensure to make the sessions interactive and engaging. For your help, we have jotted down top video conferencing tips for tutors. So, let’s have a look at them, one by one.
Tips For Tutors For A Better Video Conferencing Experience
Get Familiar With The Platform
As mentioned above, different options are available when it comes to selecting the platform for video calls. The tutors must choose one which they find the most suitable. Because every individual needs different features in the video calling application. Also, the recommended hardware and internet bandwidth requirements vary from platform to platform.
So, it is better to be clear about your computer or laptop’s hardware and software capabilities to ensure the respective app runs smoothly. Besides, one must try a few test video calls to make sure everything works fine, such as the webcam, microphone, etc. This way, tutors can become familiar with the respective video conferencing platform. Hence, they can easily use the application in the sessions without any issues.
Ensure Proper Lighting
Online sessions majorly depend on video quality. Along with investing in a good webcam, ensuring proper lighting in the space and on your face, is equally important. A well-lit setup not only shows the tutor’s professionalism but also uplifts the students’ experience. If you don’t know how to facilitate proper lighting in your setup, you can take the help of the internet to get some tips.
Select The Best Camera Angles
Camera angles are another important thing in video conferencing. They play a crucial role in facilitating a good learning experience for the students. The camera placement must be in a way that both tutor and the writing surface are clearly visible to the learners. Some tutors also set up multiple cameras: one for the writing board and the other to capture their own footage. You can try different combinations and figure out what works best for you.
Pay Attention To Audio Quality
Ensuring quality audio in the sessions can be a game changer when it comes to uplifting the students’ learning experience. One of the simplest tips to achieve good quality audio experience is to invest in a decent microphone. Besides, there are some other tips that tutors can take into account, which are:
- Keep the mic at a proper distance from your mouth that is not too close, not too far.
- Cut down the background noise, and mute your mic when you are not speaking.
- Try to keep the voice at a similar level throughout the call.
Start The Sessions On Time
As a tutor, it is important to be punctual and start the classes precisely at the decided time. It shows that you are serious about your duty, which makes a good impression on the students. Also, being punctual is a trait that will benefit you for a lifetime in your career.
Moreover, when the students know that you are going to start at the exact time, they avoid being late in joining the video conference. Hence, the sessions start at the prescribed timings, which is beneficial for both the students and the learners.
Establish Basic Rules
Just like a school classroom, online video conferencing also requires some rules so that the students can stay disciplined during the sessions. This way, teaching with the help of video conferencing becomes more streamlined.
For example, if using Google Meet, the tutors can instruct the students to ask their doubts on Hangouts. It is much better to get the queries resolved after the teacher finishes the topic rather than interrupting the explanation in between. Similarly, you should make some rules as a tutor to maintain decorum in the online sessions.
Begin and End The Sessions Properly
When you start the session, take a few minutes to convey the basics to the students. You can discuss some real-world implementations of the concept. For example, Physics tutors can tell the students how the telephone inventor, Mr Alexander Graham Bell, utilised the concepts of sound waves and electric current.
In simple words, avoid jumping straight to the theorems and formulas. The same goes for ending the video call sessions. One of the common approaches is to summarise the whole session in brief, in the last few minutes.
Choose A Suitable Background
Having a good background can considerably improve the quality of remote sessions. One must choose it, in a way to create a good contrast with the main subject. This way, the students can clearly see the tutor and the writing board. Don’t commit the mistake of not having a background at all. Because you won’t want your family members or pets in the video background.
All the major video conferencing platforms have the option to choose custom backgrounds that don’t even require a green screen. They enable the tutors to have a different background for each session, according to the topic.
Be Careful While Screen Sharing
Online classes via video conferencing involve the tutors sharing their device’s screen to explain a particular topic in detail. They should be careful while screen sharing during the sessions.
During online tutoring sessions, sometimes the teacher presents the wrong screen to the learners in a hush and rush, which can confuse them. To avoid such situations, carefully select the apps or windows that you want to screen-share with the students.
Conclusion
As online learning is becoming the new normal, every tutor must be familiar with using technology to ensure the best experience for the learners. With the help of the above tips, the tutors can ace their video conferencing sessions to provide quality learning for the students. This way, they perform better and get good marks, which ultimately fetches positive word of mouth for the tutors. All in all, the best online conferencing practices facilitate more lucrative career opportunities for tutors.
