Online Tutoring

About Online Tutoring

Have you always wanted to tutor, but felt like you just didn't have the time? Now you do. TOV has partnered with Innovations for Learning to bring you an opportunity to tutor a child without ever leaving your computer! TOV tutors are currently working with first grade students at Chicago Public Schools' George Manierre School.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does online tutoring work?
At the beginning of each session, the tutor logs onto the Innovations for Learning website. The classroom schedule, notes from the students’ teachers and other tutoring resources are available on the website.

How will I communicate with my student?
Tutors connect with students by logging on to a website, where their student is also logged in. In addition, the tutor uses his or her phone to call the classroom. After selecting a grade level and a story, the student reads the story to the tutor, and the website is equipped with tools allowing the pair to communicate on the screen. Through the tutoring website, tutors and students can see the same thing on their computer screens at the same time. The tutor listens and helps with any difficulties the student encounters. The tutor is able to type on the computer screen during the tutoring session and the program also includes comprehension and word games for the tutor and student to play together.

Can I participate if I have never tutored before?
Yes, absolutely! No experience is necessary—just a desire to help students learn to read! TOV will help you with the rest through training and the advice of experienced teachers.

What do I need to tutor online?
All you need is a computer with a cable or DSL Internet connection and a separate phone line. It is also possible to tutor via iPhone if you aren’t able to be at your computer.  With the latest updates in the Innovations for Learning technology, the program requires no downloads of software, so even offices with strict restrictions on software downloads are now able to access the program via the IFL website. 

What is the time commitment for online tutoring?
Online tutoring requires approximately 40 minutes per week and a commitment to tutor for the entire school year. A thirty-minute tutoring time slot is assigned to each tutor/student pair based on tutor availability. The tutor calls the classroom to work with the student at the same day and time each week. Each pair also receives an alternate tutoring time. All tutoring time slots are scheduled during the regular school day. In addition, tutors should set aside a few minutes before the tutoring session to prepare for their session and review their notes from previous sessions to track their student’s progress.

I’m not very good with computers; is there training on how to work the computer programs?
We do require online tutors to have basic computer skills. In addition, all online tutors are required to attend both an orientation session and a practice tutoring call to learn how to use the computer programs. Finally, tutors are given instruction sheets with tutoring tips and instructions for games and activities to work on with their students.

Do I ever get to meet the student I am tutoring?
At the beginning of the school year a meet-and-greet is held at the school so tutors can meet their students. An end-of-year party is also scheduled at the end of tutoring. Both the meet-and-greet and the end-of-year party are usually held during the lunch hour.

How do I let my student know if I will not be able to tutor at our regular time?
It is not necessary to call the school the day of tutoring to let the teacher and student know you will not be calling at your normal tutoring time. When you call, the student is participating in normal classroom activities. If you do not call, the student will simply continue to participate in those activities.

You may call at your alternate time to make up for the missed session without notifying the teacher and student. If you know you will not be able to tutor in advance, you can tell the student you will not be calling the following week. Some tutors choose to tutor both at their regular and alternate times one week if they know they will miss the following week or to make up for a session that was missed in a previous week.