7 Essential Digital Tools for an Online Maths Tutor

Online maths tutoring has become a popular way for students to receive extra help outside of the classroom. As students become more familiar with using the internet, it’s no wonder that an online maths tutor can be found almost anywhere. If you love teaching maths and are considering becoming an online tutor, then here’s a list of 7 must-have digital tools that you’ll need to succeed.

1. A Reliable Laptop or Desktop Computer

This is probably the most important tool on the list. As an online tutor, you’ll need to have a reliable computer that can handle video chat software, as well as any digital resources you might want to use during your lessons. There are many great laptops and desktop computers out there that are well-suited for maths tutoring, so do your research to find the one that’s right for you.

2. A High-Quality Webcam

A high-quality webcam is essential for giving your students a clear view of your face during lessons. Many webcams come with built-in microphones, which can be very helpful for online tutors. If you don’t have a webcam, there are many affordable options available online.

3. A Good Internet Connection

Not so much a tool, but more a digital requirement – A good internet connection is essential for online maths tutoring. You’ll need to make sure that your connection is fast and reliable enough to handle video chat software and any other online resources you might want to use. We suggest a download speed of at least 10 Mbps and an upload speed of at least 5 Mbps. The quality of the lesson will depend largely on the quality of your internet connection, so it’s important to make sure that it’s up to par.

4. The Right Maths Platform

There are many different maths software programs out there that can be used for online tutoring. Each program has its own unique features, so it’s important to find the one that’s right for you and your students. Whether you’re using Prodigy to help gamify the lesson, or Khan Academy which provides video lessons and exercises, make sure that you’re comfortable with the software before using it with your students. Some platforms are more interactive than others, allowing you to both monitor and assign tasks in real-time.

5. A Virtual Whiteboard

A whiteboard is a great tool for online maths tutors and the perfect way to help your students visualize concepts during lessons. You can write out problems and show examples to your students as you explain an idea. If you don’t have a physical whiteboard, there are many great virtual whiteboard options available online. We recommend using a tool like Miro or Google Jamboard, which are both free to use. Both tools come with plenty of options to make your lessons more interactive and engaging.

6. A Headset with a Microphone

A headset with a microphone can be very helpful for online maths tutors. It allows you to have clear communication with your students during lessons and can help to reduce background noise. There are many different types of headsets available, so find one that’s comfortable for you to wear and that has good sound quality.

7. Video Chat Software

This one is a no-brainer for all online maths educators. Whether you decide to use Skype, Google Hangouts, or FaceTime, make sure you have reliable and consistent video chat software installed on your computer. This will be the bread and butter of your online teaching, as it will allow you to see and talk to your students in real-time.

Another great feature of most video chat software is the ability to share your screen with others. This comes in handy when you need to show your students how to approach a maths problem or explain a new concept.

Final Thoughts

As an online maths tutor, these 7 digital tools will help you to succeed, especially when there’s such a high demand for online educational platforms. With a reliable computer, a high-quality webcam, and a good internet connection, you’ll be well on your way to giving your students the best possible learning experience. Be sure to invest in the right software and take advantage of virtual whiteboards and headsets with microphones to make your lessons more interactive and engaging. And last but not least, don’t forget to use video chat software to connect with your students from anywhere in the world.

Math Minds, Australia’s leading maths tutoring company, has found great success by using a combination of digital tools that suit the teaching style of the tutor and the learning goals of the students whom they are teaching.

Of course, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day it’s not just the digital tool that will make a lesson great – it’s also the maths tutor and their ability to engage with their students, adapt to different learning styles, and create an enjoyable online learning experience for all.