Information for Tech Tutors
If you have questions not covered in these Questions & Answers, please contact us at info@connectlearning.com or 713-783-6188.
Q: How many hours is one tutoring session?
A: Roughly three (3) hours. The tutor spends at least one hour on prep and documentation for the learner’s use after the session. All prep and documentation time should be included in the session estimate. If you need more than 2 hours for the session with the learner, then estimate two sessions.
The session with the learner lasts 2 hours. It includes concepts, demonstration, and practice for the learner to be sure they can perform the task(s).
Q: How many sessions can tutors teach in a week?
A: As many as they have time to prep and deliver, and CL can sell.
Q: What online learning solution do Connect Learning tutors use?
A: CL tutors use Citrix’s Go to Meeting (GTM)
Q: What are the system requirements for PCs?
A: PC System Requirements (from Go To Meeting’s Web site)
Internet Explorer® 6.0 or newer, Mozilla® Firefox® 3.0 or newer (JavaScriptTM and JavaTM enabled)
Windows® 2000, XP, 2003 Server, Vista or Windows® 7
Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection
Minimum of Pentium® class 1GHz CPU with 1 GB of RAM (recommended) (2 GB of RAM for Windows®Vista)
A headset with earphones and microphone for VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Go to Meeting recommends USB headsets. There are decent ones for $25-$40 on Amazon.
CL tutors primarily use VOIP. However, you can also use a headset for your telephone. GTM provides the conferencing service, but you pay any long distance charges. For tutoring, Skype is a better phone option, and the headsets are inexpensive. Remember that your learner has to be communicating on Skype as well.
Q: What are the system requirements for Macs
A: Mac® System Requirements (from Go To Meeting’s Web site)
SafariTM 3.0 or newer, Firefox® 3.0 or newer (JavaScriptTM and JavaTM enabled)
Mac OS® X 10.4 or newer – Tiger®, Leopard® and Snow Leopard®
PowerPC G4/G5 or Intel processor 1 GB of RAM or better recommended)
Cable modem, DSL, or better Internet connection
A headset with earphones and microphone for VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Go to Meeting recommends USB headsets. There are decent ones for $25-$40 on Amazon. Read the reviews to be sure they work well with a Mac.
CL tutors primarily use VOIP. However, you can also use a headset for your telephone. GTM provides the conferencing service, but you pay any long distance charges. For tutoring Skype might be a better phone option, and the headsets(sold on the Skype store) are inexpensive. Remember that your learner has to be communicating on Skype as well.
Q: Do I need to buy or subscribe to any software to connect with my learner?
A: No, Connect Learning provide you a user id and password for the time of your learner preparation check and the tutoring session. When the learner connects, GTM installs a free player on the learner’s machine them so they can participate fully with you.
Q: What software do I need to have on my machine?
A: The software you’re teaching. You and the learner must use the same version of the software.
Q: What do I see on my computer during the session?
A: You and the learner see your computer screen, which may show slides explaining concepts.
You show the software or code you’re teaching, assets such as photos, text, video, and buttons, and the chosen tasks. You can choose to display a clean screen for the learner, hiding your desktop. You also see a small Go to Meeting control panel at top right with an area for chat.
Q: How do I hear and answer questions?
A: You wear a headset for your computer or telephone with a microphone
Q: Can I see the learner’s screen?
A: Yes, you can easily make the learner the presenter so you can see their screen.
Q: How can I learn more about teaching online with Go to Meeting?
A: You can download a free trial for 30 days, watching the free training videos and read the Organizer Handbook. Connect Learning provides new tutors with a free GTM Orientation session.
Q: Can I keep other windows open during my tutoring session?
A: No, for best performance, only GTM and the software you are teaching should be open. Close everything else, including your email and chat.
Q: What is the Connect Learning Tutoring process?
A: Prospective learners fill out a form listing the issues and tasks they want the tutor to address.
The tutor receives the list and estimates how much prep and how many sessions the learner needs.
The tutor sends the estimate to the learner and to Sally Smith. The tutor and the learner work out a date and time and verify software versions, with cc to Sally Smith.
Once the learner registers and pays, the learner receives confirmation and information about preparing their system for the session and the Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy.
The tutor receives an id and password for Go to Meeting. The tutor sets up his prep session and the tutoring session on GotoMeeting, which gives him a stock email with a login code to send to the learner and to Sally Smith.
The tutor tests the learner’s prepped system a few days before the tutorial session.
The tutor holds the 2-hour session and emails the documentation to the learner, cc to CL.
CL sends evaluation, required for learner to receive a “certificate.”
CL pays via Paypal on receipt of email with documentation. You get your money more quickly if you have a Paypal account, which is free.
Q: What does the tutor have to check on their system and the learner’s system.
A: First, successful connection to the GTM session.
Verify the headset is connected and works for hearing and speaking.
Show the learner how to use chat if he can’t hear or be heard
Verify that the correct software version is installed on the system the learner will use for the session.
Q: What is the hiring process for Connect Learning (CL) tech tutors
A: Please email info@connectlearning.com or call Sally Smith at 713-783-6188.
Send a resume with the software you can tutor and 3 recommendations.
Download a free trial of Go to Meeting (GTM), watch the free video training, and read the Organizer’s handbook.
Request a free orientation to GTM.
Schedule a 5-10 minute test teach with Sally Smith on a topic you want to teach, using GTM
If you are accepted as a tutor, please send a headshot and a profile, including the software you are strongest on and the levels (Fundamentals, Intermediate, and Advanced).
If your days are fairly structured, please send your usual available dates and hours. They will not be published on the site.
Send CL a W-9. CL does not pay until we have your W-9.
Do a dress rehearsal with a learner for ½ pay to work the kinks out and get feedback.