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Tutoring online is not new to the web. However it has become easier with new online messaging systems and hardware for communication. In this article, I will show you how to set up your computer and become familiar with the messaging systems like Skype and two others, Edu 2.0 and Vyew, where you can teach online classes.

Tutoring Online Requires Some Computer Knowledge

How to Use the Webcam

Tutoring online requires computer knowledge. In short, you must learn the specifics of using the webcam and how to teach using a webcam.

When you buy a webcam, the directions will be provided. It isn’t difficult. When you begin using the webcam, you must look directly into the video and speak clearly while limiting your expressions to your face and upper body. I practiced this with my husband before doing it with a student. Since the webcam sits on the top of your computer, it has to be adjusted according to your height. I suggest you use a webcam with a built in audio because it’s easier. However, if you choose a separate audio you will wear a headset with a microphone attached that you will speak into. When you buy the webcam it is best to buy the headset as a bundle so that you know they work well together. However, if you buy the webcam with the built in audio then you know it works together.

The beauty of using the webcam is that you can do it almost anywhere. You can do it in a coffee shop from your own laptop computer, with an online connection and a microphone and small video camera.

The next section highlights some of the low priced webcams that are very good and easy to use.

Logitec Webcam 250

This webcam is a low price but very good quality. It requires your computer OS to be Windows XP or higher. The details are listed below.

Windows XP (SP2 or higher)

1GHz, RAM(512 MB)

Windows Vista or Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)

1 GHz

512 MB Ram

200 MB Hard drive space

CD Rom Drive

The Specs for this webcam are listed below.

Enhanced VGA sensor, Video Capture 800 by 600 pixels

Photos: up to 1.3 megapixels, 30 frames per second.

Built in microphone with Right sound technology

The Logitech webcam software will allow you to do as follows:

Make a Logitech Video, capture videos and make and view photos

Email videos and photos

Use and upload YouTube

Works with Skype, Windows Live Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger and other applications.

Another webcam that is a little higher priced is good too.

Face Vision Touch Cam N1 $119.00, V1 model $70.00

The FV TouchCam N1 does high definition video at 720p and is compatible with any version of Windows from XP and on up. It has high speed and a USB 2.0 to connect to the computer. It has 720 video calling even when the other person you are calling does not have the same equipment. You can make videos and quick photos as well as take part in video conferencing.

Specs:

HD 720p video calls

H.264 Adaptive H264 encoder for great video experience.

Wide angle lens with 78 degrees.

Dual microphones with unidirectional support beam forming technology for great audio performance.

Auto focus: images are sharp even close-ups are sharp.

USB interface with true plug and play experience.

Skype certified

After deciding what webcam to use, you can choose the audio video communication system or messaging system you want to use for tutoring, such as, Skype.

There are many options available and many are even free. I will highlight some below.

Check out their websites because they provided step by step instructions on how to set it up on your computer and how to use it. They have support services for extra help too.

Online Teleconferencing Systems Using Both Audio and Video

1. Skype

Features: Skype allows you to make conference calls. You can video and audio call many people at the same time. In addition, you can do screen sharing. All of the people you are communicating with through your conference call can see your power point presentation on their computer screen. Skype allows you to make one-on-one video calls. Through Skype you can tutor individually or a group of students. Skype is free.

Equipment

The items you will need are: a computer that is on-line (the faster the internet connection the better), a web camera and microphone, either built into the computer or an external plug-in one, preferably a headset with a microphone.

Download

Go to Skype website and download the software. Click the download icon and then, on the left side, click “download now”. Next, click “run” and install.

Make an Account

You need to create a Skype Account. It is free. You can click on getting started, or click on “don’t have a Skype name.” A window will open where you can to create an account. You register easily by adding your name, email, a password, and a user name.

Add Your Contacts/Students

You can search for students who have registered with Skype. Type their full name in the search bar. Then click on the correct city, click to add the contact and type a short message to tell your student to add you as a contact.

Make a Free Video Calls

Click the green video call button. You can answer with the video button. If you are not able to hear the person during the video conference call, check the volume of your speaker. On the other hand, if they are not able to hear you, check your microphone. Make sure it is plugged into your computer.

Hardware Requirements:

Your computer should have 1 Ghz processor or faster.

You need to have 256 MB of RAM with 100 MG of free disk space on your hard drive.

You need a webcam, a microphone and speakers or a headset. The best is to get a webcam with a built in microphone.

2. Vyew

Vyew is an excellent system for tutoring. You can easily create and upload course content to use during real-time teaching and for anytime use. Students can get on and use it together for learning or they can get on alone too access lesson material.

Educators

You can teach one person or an online classroom teaching multiple students in real-time.Using Vyew you can post course syllabuses and worksheets for students to review and to work on together.

Tutors

Students can review their lessons and post questions even when you’re not available

Students

Work on group projects together, outline responsibilities, contribute to the class lesson.

Post group project files in Vyew’s File Storage to ensure everyone has access to the latest version.

With Vyew, online meeting places or rooms can be opened indefinitely. Instructors can allow students to come in at their convenience. The beauty of this is that students can watch the video tutorial again and again.

Vyew provides a multi-modal environment for education and training. Almost any content can be uploaded to or created in Vyew for a rich, interactive environment that includes interactive Flash learning objects, audio, video, graphics, presentations, spreadsheets and text.

Equipment:The items you will need are: a computer that is on-line (the faster the internet connection the better), a web camera and microphone, either built into the computer or an external plug-in one, preferably a headset with a microphone.

Hardware System Requirements:

Your computer should have 1 Ghz processor or faster.

You need to have 256 MB of RAM.

You need a webcam, a microphone and speakers or a headset. The best is to get a webcam with a built in microphone.

3. Edu 2.0

This system is designed for educators. It is great! You get your own school website where you can easily see a list of your students, the classes you are teaching as well as any other information such as lessons/presentations that you will give to your students. You interact with students during the classes and keep track of all your online materials in one place. There is a calendar feature integrated with your courses as well as many other useful features. It is free but the more advanced features cost $4.95 per month. When you register you get all of the features including the advanced ones for free for 30 days.

Equipment:The items you will need are: a computer that is on-line (the faster the internet connection the better), a web camera and microphone, either built into the computer or an external plug-in one, preferably a headset with a microphone.

System Requirements:Your computer should have 1 Ghz processor or faster.

You need to have 256 MB of RAM.

You need a webcam, a microphone and speakers or a headset. The best is to get a webcam with a built in microphone.

With one or more of the audio video communication systems listed above used at the same time, you can conduct online tutoring sessions with your students and make great money for your services. You can teach or tutor many students at one time, with each student paying only a nominal fee. Each student can pay $10.00 per session, for 45 minutes then you can easily obtain 10 or more students.

Check out my other articles in this series. Part 2 How to Get Students, Part 3 How to Secure Payment, Part 4 How to teach or tutor using the webcam with an online messaging system

The next article in this series is: “How To Get Students”. In Part Two of this series, I will show you how to get students referred to you for free and where to post your online services for free. (watch for my next article)

The third part is: How to Arrange for Payment. In Part Three of this series I will show you how to secure payment ahead of time, before the tutoring session begins.(watch for this article too)

The fourth or final part is: How to Teach the Session. In Part Four of this series I will show you how to teach or tutor online. (watch for this article later)

All of this information is in my book: TUTORING: Complete Guide to a Successful Home Business. It is available on Amazon.com

Kimberly Fujioka

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Source by Kimberly A Fujioka