Being able to learn maths online has made maths more accessible. An online maths tutor can use various tools to create flexible and engaging learning experiences. By making use of these resources, private tutors and students are now able to build interactive sessions together and make sure they meet the individual needs and are appropriate for various skill levels.
There’s a few resources that are readily available each tutor should be familiar with. We’ll list a few of the best picks.
Video Conferencing Platforms
Let’s start with the basics. In order to have a lesson the tutor and the student need a place to meet. This is where video conferencing platforms come into play. These platforms offer an ideal virtual environment where you can communicate and interact in real time. Tutoring sessions held on this kind of platform allow tutors to give immediate feedback and guidance just like they would through in-person tutoring. Most of these are already widely known, but we’ll add them below just in case you somehow managed to be spared from online meetings during the last five years.
- Zoom: It’s the old reliable (most of the time). We’re all probably a bit tired from zoom meetings, but it’s still the easiest go-to. The platform offers screen sharing and the sessions can be recorded. Zoom is widely used by online maths tutors because the handy options help students review and practice independently, and it has the convenient familiarity to it as well.
- Google Meet: Whether you have Google Classroom or not, Google Meet can be ideal for tutors who are familiar with Google tools. It simplifies the process of sharing lesson plans and online resources which is the backbone of any good tutoring.
- Skype: It’s been around for quite some time and there’s a reason for that. Skype is still quite effective for online lessons. You can send assignments or resource links via the chat and with a bit of creativity tutors can build a learning environment that builds maths skills and adapts to specific topics.
Interactive Whiteboards
There’s no learning without jotting things down. It comes as no surprise that interactive whiteboards are essential in online tutoring, they are a prerequisite for making online maths tutoring more lively and engaging. There’s nothing like working through problems in real-time step by step with your tutor. This personal touch closely mirrors in-person classroom experiences, only it’s more practical and better organised. Here are some of the whiteboards you can put into your online learning environment.
- Bitpaper: It has all you’d need. Bitpaper supports live collaboration on maths concepts so you can start visualising the problem-solving steps. It has a simple layout and clear, interactive features. We all know, less clutter means more time spent on learning.
- Microsoft Whiteboard: If you have access to Microsoft Teams, this whiteboard helps easily illustrate lessons, save work, and help students develop a deep understanding of complex topics.
- Ziteboard: Tutors adapt their approach to different learning styles easier when they have a user-friendly environment to do that. Ziteboard’s flexibility works well across all skill levels and can be properly adjusted to individual needs.
Online Maths Games and Activities
Believe it or not, you can find many maths games online. With a pool of online resources it gets easier and easier to engage students in practicing maths skills. It’s a fun and interactive way to help reinforce concepts, particularly for younger learners. Here are some that might catch a student’s attention.
- Prodigy Math: This one is quite a dream come true. This game combines educational content with adventure gaming, making it a favourite among young students. They tend to respond well to a game-based approach, especially when the characters are colourful and the learning isn’t that formal.
- Kahoot!: This quiz-based tool offers a lively learning experience. You can’t escape the need for quizzes, but they also don’t need to be tedious. Through this platform, tutors can add a competitive, fun element to it.
- Math Playground: Their biggest strength is that they cover a vast variety of topics. Math Playground offers online maths games that cover almost all topics so if you need extra practice this is the place you need.
Comprehensive Maths Programs
Like with games, you can find structured, comprehensive maths programs online. It’s just a few clicks. These programs support students as they develop their skills over time. Quite a few include assessments and targeted exercises to build a solid foundation and they’re best used with a knowledgeable tutor who know when to turn to them.
- Khan Academy: This platform is widely known and chances are students are already using it here and there. It offers an extensive library covering a wide range of maths topics, so it’s definitely suitable for independent learners, but it’s also an invaluable online resource for tutoring sessions.
- IXL Learning: This adaptive approach matches exercises to the student’s skill level. It is ideal for tutors who want to personalise learning for students and need a bit of backing to do so. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, sometimes all you need to do is use your resources effectively. It can be used for one-on-one tutoring or even for group activities.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Learning Management Systems help streamline maths tutoring by organising resources, assignments, and feedback in one accessible online platform.
- Google Classroom: If you use other Google products you can make really good use of Google Classroom. The platform allows tutors to post assignments, track progress, and keep all learning materials in one place.
- Moodle: Moodle is highly customisable, letting tutors design quizzes, monitor progress, and deliver feedback. It’s quite simple and it supports various tech skill levels.
- Canvas: Online learning with multiple students can be tricky. Canvas tackles this problem by offering a structured way to communicate and share resources with students.
Worksheet and Practice Generators
Practice makes perfect. Worksheet generators allow tutors to create and combine exercises tailored to a student’s skill level. Without practice there is no understanding.
- Math-Aids.com: Making worksheets can be a lot of work for a tutor. This tool provides customisable worksheets across multiple topics, helping tutors design exercises that match student needs without losing too much time.
- Kuta Software: They are known for algebra and calculus worksheets. Kuta Software focuses on upper-level maths, giving students targeted practice which builds their confidence.
- Mathway: They primarily solve problems but they also offer solutions that help students learn the process. Once you know the answer you can also follow the process. As we all know understanding maths concepts is a step by step process.
Assessment and Feedback Tools
Last but not least, in order to know where we are at we need to measure the progress somehow. Assessment tools offer a basis and help tutors adjust lesson plans to match the student’s understanding and progress.
- Socrative: Tutors can create quizzes and deliver immediate feedback. Knowing where you’re at makes it easier to pinpoint a student’s strengths and areas where they need improvement.
- Quizlet: You can support retention of maths terminology and concepts with flashcards and quizzes. This is particularly well-suited for younger students who tend to like a game-like approach.
- Classkick: By letting tutors monitor student work in real-time, Classkick provides instant feedback and guidance. The platform enables tutors to adapt different teaching styles and tailor their approach to the student’s needs.
Conclusion
Combining various online tools can make tutoring more effective. Tutors can use interactive whiteboards, maths games, and learning management systems to create dynamic lessons.
