With so many options, how do you choose which online platform to tutor in?
I have used a number of different online platforms to teach and tutor on. The most common one is obviously Zoom, but in my opinion, it is probably one of the least conducive to working collaboratively with a student. The only benefit to using Zoom that I have seen is that most people have used it and are familiar with it; it no longer takes that long to help the student navigate how to use Zoom. However, although it has the basic videoconferencing functions, share screen and whiteboard, it really doesn't lend itself well to collaborative experiences. Other spaces along a similar vein would include WebEx and, on one occasion, Skype.
Some spaces I have used that are specifically meant for virtual classes include Lessonspace and QuickConnect. These platforms place the emphasis on the collaborative tools, such as whiteboards and shared documents, while the video conferencing components are secondary. These spaces have embedded functionalities such as calculators, text editors, and coding editors. Depending on the subject you are tutoring or teaching, you can create a specialized space for you and your student to work in.
Why I Love Kumospace
The space I prefer to use, by far, and have chosen for my online classroom is powered by Kumospace. While others may not enjoy it as much as I do, I really find that it is the best of both worlds. I have created a specific small classroom space for my sessions, complete with whiteboard and desks. Unlike with any of the previously mentioned platforms, where all you see is video boxes, my Kumospace is set up to look like a classroom, giving that added feeling of a study space you would have if you were teaching in person. The student enters the classroom through the front door and sits in front of the whiteboard to prepare for the lesson.
Many of the collaborative tools I use are embedded in the platform. Clicking on the whiteboard at the front of the class launches the Eraser, the application used by Kumospace. On the table are numerous tablets that link directly to different Google Docs I prepare for my students and other collaborative tools, like Miro and MetroRetro. All can be opened within Kumospace, so you can work collaboratively with the student without opening another tab or window. If you do require opening another tab, the videos on Kumospace can be popped out so they are on top when you access a second window.
One slight wrinkle is that Kumospace is not particularly mobile-friendly; it is challenging to use on a cell phone or tablet. This could pose a challenge with respect to accessibility. It is also quite different from what many people are used to and could create some anxiety among those who are not comfortable with technology. However, for those who are able to get past that learning curve, Kumospace becomes an extremely powerful tool for making online learning efficient, effective and fun.
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