How It Works Page
Q: What is e-Tutoring?
A: e-Tutoring enables tutors and students to work together from different locations in real-time. e-Tutoring is conducted over the internet using existing web services and the student's own equipment.
Q: What equipment does a student need in order to use e-Tutoring?
A: Required: A relatively up-to-date computer, a broadband internet connection, an up-to-date browser, and a headset (or microphone and speakers). We strongly recommend that students us a headset. Headsets are available from office supply stores such as Stables and Office Max and start at $10. The latest version of Adobe's Flash must also be installed on your computer.
Recommended: A webcam and access to a fax machine or scanner.
Q: What web services does a student need?
A: RedKey utilizes WizIQ, a well-recognized and established provider of real-time online teaching. This 100% web-based service provides a shared whiteboard, file sharing and audio and video capabilities and is free.
Q: Does a student need training to use e-Tutoring?
A: RedKey's e-Tutoring service is extremely easy to use, and should be very intuitive for any one familiar with using the internet or any of the popular social networking services. Students will be provided with "Quick Start" guide and during the first tutoring session the tutor will provide a hands-on tutorial.
Q: Sharing a student's textbook, homework assignments, tests, etc. is often an important part of tutoring. How is this handled for e-Tutoring?
A: Whenever working from a textbook is an important part of the tutoring, arrangements must be made ahead of time to provide the tutor with a copy of the student's textbook. These arrangements are made between the parent and RedKey prior to the first session.
Q: What about homework, tests and class handouts?
A: Electronic files such as word documents, PDFs, and spreadsheets can be emailed to the tutor prior to the session. Paper documents can be either scanned by the student and emailed to the tutor, or faxed to the tutor using RedKey's homework fax number (888.433.2138). (Make sure that all material is sent to the tutor at least 24 hours before the session is scheduled to begin, and that the tutor is alerted to expect it.)
Q: What happens during an e-Tutoring session?
A: e-Tutoring sessions are structured around a shared online whiteboard. Tutor and student can also upload and share documents during the session. Verbal communication is typically handled directly over the web using headsets.
Q: How does a student schedule e-Tutoring sessions?
A: Sessions are scheduled using RedKey's online session calendar, in the same way that in-person sessions are scheduled.
Q: What subjects are available for e-Tutoring?
A: Any subject covered by one of our e-Tutoring tutors is available.
Q: Who are your online tutors?
A: We select from our tutors only those who understand the challenges of online tutoring, and who have the talent and personality to engage students even when not physically in the same room. All of our online tutors are fully trained. And to insure the most productive tutoring sessions, all of our online tutors are native English speakers living right here in the United States.
Q: What subjects are available for e-Tutoring?
A: Any subject covered by one of our e-Tutoring tutors is available.
Q: How do I get more information about RedKey services, including e-Tutoring?
A: Call RedKey Education at 617.395.7935 or email info@redkeyeducation.com.