The online tutoring platform is very easy to use. We recommend that you take a tour of the platform on your own to familiarize yourself with the tool before your first tutoring session!
How do I access the Online Whiteboard?
You can access the Online Whiteboard at any time from the left menu of your account. Use this option only when you want to use the whiteboard to familiarize yourself with the platform and choose the next option when you have a planned session with a tutor.
How do I access the Online Whiteboard for a planned tutoring session with a tutor?
You can access the whiteboard for online tutoring directly from your scheduled tutoring session in your calendar.
- Go to the tab « Calendar »
- Click on your scheduled session in the calendar
- Click on « Online Whiteboard »
Or:
- Go to the tab « Jobs »
- Select the desired Job
- Click on your scheduled session
- Click on « Online Whiteboard »
How do I disconnect at the end of a session?
To disconnect, you can close your web browser page. Be sure to download your work if you need it for your next session.
Can we record the session?
No.
How can I choose which camera to use on my device?
The camera being used is actually determined by the internet browser that you are using. Some browsers give you the choice (like Firefox) whereas others use the default which unfortunately we cannot control (at least not yet! Be sure that we are working on it).
How many people can join a space?
Any number of users can be in a space at one time. However only up to 8 people can send and receive audio and/or video at one time. As such, if 8 people are in a room and a 9th person joins they will be able to use the whiteboard and chat functionality as usual but they will neither be able to send nor receive audio/video to/from anyone else in the Space.
What operating system do I need to use?
You can use the online tutoring platform with any Operating System that supports modern browsers!
Is it mobile and tablet friendly?
It is dependant on the functionality provided by the web browsers of platforms (i.e. Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, etc..). Tablets and Phones do not support screensharing due to limitations of the firmware on said devices. All functionality is supported on mobile and tablet devices. For iOS, only Safari is supported as other browsers do not support WebRTC.
What browser do I need to use?
The online tutoring platform will work on Chrome, Firefox, Safari (iOS 10+) and Edge. Internet Explorer 11 and older browsers are supported but without audio or video. We recommend either using the latest version of Chrome or Firefox as they deliver the best experience.
Do I need to install anything to use the online tutoring platform??
Besides a web browser (which you are using right now to read this), the platform doesn’t need any additional software to be installed.
Do I need a webcam and/or a microphone to use the online tutoring platform?
If you want to make use of the live video calling feature, you will need both a webcam and microphone. These come standard with most modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops. If you don’t have a webcam but still have a microphone, the video calling still works, just without the video part. All other features will continue to work without a webcam or microphone.
What internet speed to I need to use the online tutoring platform?
It requires a minimum of 256kbit/s of uplink per video publishing stream, and a minimum of 256kbit/s of download per video receiving stream. Screen sharing doubles this to 512kbit/s. The signalling and content itself has a negligible bandwidth requirement. In total, for 1 on 1 lessons, at least a 1mbit/s symmetrical connection is recommended.
I’m hearing an echo of my own voice when in a session. How do I stop this?
Audio echo is almost always the result of one or more users in a session not using headphones. This can cause the microphone of the users’ device to accidentally pick up the audio from the speakers – resulting in an echo effect.
