Using Your Writing Device
First, you’ll want to make sure your writing device works well.
To check your writing device, please go here.
You can click on Start Drawing Now and do just that. Or, you can log in to join your Ziteboard. It’s easiest to do so via your Gmail address. If you don’t have a Gmail address, it’ll only take a few minutes to create one.
In any case, Ziteboard is a good place to check how your writing device works.
For your writing device, here are the options, in order from best to worst:
Wacom Tablet with desktop or laptop. The wireless version sometimes lags, so you’ll want to use the wired version.
Ipad or touchscreen device such as a Surface (MS), Lenovo Yoga, etc.
Mac Trackpad
Your Phone
There are drawbacks to using your phone. My first concern is that you’ll be receiving texts/group texts while we’re tutoring. You can turn notifications completely off, including vibrate. Even then, you could be distracted by the notification icon popping up every few minutes. If it’s possible to eliminate all notifications, please do so. For an hour, it’s worth it.
Even if you can stop notifications on your phone completely, using your phone as a writing device is recommended only in desperate situations. All the other options are better.
If Using A Wacom Tablet (Skip If You’re Using Another Device)
More than likely, you’ll want to disable the rocker buttons on the end of the stylus. If you do not, you might become frustrated quickly. Below is a how-to guide to disabling the rocker buttons along with the buttons on the Wacom Tablet itself.
You’ll want to access your Wacom Desktop Center. From there, select pen settings. Once there, you can disable both buttons.
Next, you can click on tablet settings. From there, you can then click on the button settings to disable each of the tablet buttons individually.
Accessing Your Ziteboard
Ok, once you feel comfortable with your writing device, you’ll want to access your Ziteboard on it. It’s important to make sure you can access your Ziteboard. You’ll want to do this hours before your session time. Math can cause you enough worry; no need to add to your stress by waiting until the last minute to check access to your Ziteboard.
Oh, and it’s best to use your Gmail address to access your Ziteboard. Email me at mcstutoring.com via your Gmail address if you need a link.
Next, you’ll want to make sure you can post images on your Ziteboard. For mac users, you can use Shift-Command-4. That’s how you can set up a rectangle to copy an image. When you do this while on Ziteboard, you’ll see the image appear on the bottom right-hand of your screen. You’ll have about 10 seconds to click and drag that image to your board.
Again, you’ll want to test this process before your session. Once you have it down, you’re almost ready for your first online session.
For PC users, use your Snipping Tool. It’s native to all PCs even though the icon for the snipping tool might not already show up on your homepage.
It’s pretty easy to use and will store snipped images either on your desktop or image gallery.
How To Talk During Your Online Math Tutoring Session
Communication: Calling works best for students I’ve worked with for at least 10 or more sessions; some may be more comfortable with Facetime (contact me for contact; we can do a trial run before our session), Google Hangouts, Skype, etc.
For calling me, you likely already have my number. If not, please email me at mcstutoring@gmail.com. Also, please identify yourself by your first and last name. I disregard unfamiliar texts and emails.
For those who want to use Facetime, Skype, or Google Hangouts, please text me for my contact information.
You’ll want to test the communication part before your first session. It’s always a good idea to make sure all these steps work smoothly before starting your actual session.
I’m happy to walk you through the details of all of these steps and even do a dry run once you’re ready. Text me.
All The Steps Reviewed:
Before your dry run:
1: Check your writing device on ziteboard.
2: Check to make sure you can access your Ziteboard via your writing device. Email me your Gmail address if you need the link to your board.
3: Check to make sure you can post images to ZB. If need be, you can click on this icon if you already have the image(s) stored somewhere on your device:
If you cannot find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your Ziteboard, you can use the dropdown from the tools icon in the upper left-hand corner of your Ziteboard.
4: Decide which way you’d like to communicate. Calling, Facetime, Google Hangouts, and Skype are your options.
5: Text me so we can set up a dry run before your first session.
Lastly, feel free to call, email, or text me with any questions you have.
Thanks. I look forward to helping you during your online math tutoring session.