5 Mistakes teachers make tutoring online

In the online tutoring world, there are so many important things to consider to have a successful career as an online teacher. From proper equipment to notifications for payments, don’t make these 5 mistakes when you make the switch to online teaching.

1 #1: You don’t use their computer to the max 2 #2: You don’t invest in all of the necessary equipment 3 #3: They don’t set notifications or reminders 4 #4: You don’t let students into your world 5 #5: You don’t set clear expectations

#1: You don’t use their computer to the max

Oftentimes, teachers make the mistake of just replicating their in-classroom lessons to the online virtual environment. Don’t make this mistake! You have a computer and the internet at your disposal to offer an interactive, interesting, and comprehensive class experience.

Make sure to use online applications and tools to make your lessons more interactive and dynamic. Multimedia content is also a great way to make the learning experience more interesting.

Helppo’s versatile platform for teaching online also lets you use a Learning Management System to manage all of your creative content and curricula. You can also create quizzes and assignments to ensure your students are digesting the material.

#2: You don’t invest in all of the necessary equipment

One might think that switching to the virtual classroom means just picking up some earphones, turning on the computer, and connecting to the internet. All too often, online tutors make the mistake of not investing in proper equipment to host their lessons.

It’s advisable to get a good quality microphone or headset with noise canceling technology to enhance the interactive experience of online teaching. You must make sure your computer is up to date, and your internet speed is sufficient to do the online classes. You can test the internet speed using a variety of online speed tests, such as https://www.speedtest.net/.

Finally, don’t forget to find a space with very few distractions and a simple background to do the class.

#3: They don’t set notifications or reminders

Teaching online is different from in-person classes. When you know you have to leave your house to do something you are far more likely to remember to do it. But when you are in the comfort of your own home or office, it’s easy to forget that you have an online class. As an online tutor, don’t make the mistake of not using Calendar notifications or automated email reminders to make sure your students show up.

On Helppo, you can set reminders via email and google calendar, as well as send instant messages to remind students about their class. Having simplified, quick, and automated communication will make sure you never miss out on an opportunity to do what you love and make those hard-earned dollars.

#4: You don’t let students into your world

It’s easy enough to hop online and give a class, but creating rapport and a connection with a student is taxing when you teach online. On the one hand, you want to make sure you have a distraction-free environment, but on the other hand, it’s great to show your students a little bit about you and your life.

Video conferencing technology means that today we can connect with people around the world. It’s fun to share a glimpse of your house, pets, family, or even just knick knacks on your desk. You can also ask the students to share about their lives too or do a fun, interactive game using the webcam, think “eye spy with my little eye”. These kinds of activities create a closer relationship with your student and a big part of being an online tutor is forging trust and confidence with folks millions of miles away.

#5: You don’t set clear expectations

Without a brick and mortar classroom, the freelance teacher sometimes forgets to think through important expectations and policies about their classes. It’s critical to communicate these policies on your webpage, email footers, or invoices.

Expectations about:

Cancellation policies
Using the webcam
Muting the microphone in a group class
Advance payments or discounts
Holidays
And much more!

Don’t make the mistake of not setting up these expectations from the get go. Using Helppo, you are in control of your tutoring business, so you are the boss. Set expectations straight from the beginning using email & payment notifications, which are all automated with Helppo SaaS.

Working online as a tutor is a fun, flexible, and interesting job. Make the most out of your tutoring business and give your students the best possible learning experience.

Want to get an all in one platform built by tutors for tutors? Contact Helppo today!