The technology

The system we use makes use of 3 separate technologies, which we integrate to re-create the classroom environment:

1. VOIP
2. Instant messaging
3. Whiteboard

1. VOIP

This stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol- simply put, it means speaking over the internet. It means that you can chat to someone, live, in real time, over the web. The quality is crystal clear (better than by telephone), and there is no charge for doing it. It is what is used by popular services such as Skype.

With HomeTeach Online, it means that the tutor and the tutee can speak to each other in exactly the same way as if they were in the same room. All that is needed is a headset.

2. Instant messaging

This is the same as what you might use on MSN Messenger, or other web messenger services. It means that you can communicate through typed text, instantly with someone else.

For the purposes of online tutoring, this allows for textual explanations to take place, as well as any other communications that need to happen via typed text.

3. Whiteboard

This is the centrepiece of our online tutoring technology. Imagine a real life whiteboard, but instead of using a pen, you use your mouse to draw on it. All types of visual communication between the tutor and tutee can thus happen via this technology. This allows for things like graphs, shapes, and foreign language letters, among other things. Text can also be typed, and you can apply different sizes, colours and fonts.

Once you are registered with HomeTeach Online, you will find a link on your homepage that allows you to practise using the whiteboard in your own time, so that you can get used to it before your tutoring sessions.