Built with online tutoring in mind, the Learning Portal features several integrated tools for teaching such as a powerful whiteboard to direct student attention and celebrate student thinking, all from your browser.
Please review the sections below:
- Learning Portal Quick Start Guide
- Customization Tools
- Collaboration Tools,
- Session Panel Guide
- Library and
- Communication and Engagement Tools
You can try it out by joining a test session room!
Learning Portal Quick Start Guide
As you are getting started using the Learning Portal, please review the Learning Portal Quick Start guide. This includes the most important steps for getting started using the Learning Portal.
Customization Tools
To make your session most effective, we recommend to customize your settings as follows.
Camera and Mic Settings
When you join the session, you will be prompted to grant tech permissions. Both you and your student will need to click the buttons next to the microphone and camera icons and choose “Allow” on the browser pop up. (See photo below for reference).
This is also where you can change your virtual background if you wish.
Video Settings
On the right panel towards the top, you can adjust your video settings to your preference. “Video Sidebar” and “Floating Videos” are recommended to see the whiteboard and videos simultaneously.
Collaboration Tools
There are many cool tools available to use on the Learning Portal. The ones listed below are the ones that you will use most frequently with your tutee.
Using the “Whiteboard”
We highly recommend using the whiteboard during tutoring sessions. This tool allows you to open a document tab to collaboratively type with your student. You can find the white board by switching to Video Sidebar or Floating Video and then clicking the ‘plus’ icon in the top left corner.
To view more on how to use features please click here!
Using Cobrowser
This feature allows you to collaboratively use a shared browser window with students. Cobrowser offers a unique advantage over screen sharing: students can interact directly with the content by adding annotations and taking control when needed, making it a more collaborative experience. We suggest using the Cobrowser when going through Readworks and Eedi lessons. Follow these steps to open the Cobrower:
- Select Floating Video on the right
- Open the Library from the top toolbar
- Choose the Apps tab on the left
- Open the Cobrowser
- Add the link
- The website will open on the whiteboard!
To view more on the Cobrowser feature, read more here!
Using Screen Share
If the Cobrowser is not working, you can also share your screen with your student. We recommend that you split your screen with both the Learning Portal and your math or reading lesson and then select share your “entire screen.” That way the student can easily see both at once.
To view more on how to screen share, please click here
PRO TIP: We recommend using Cobrowser instead of screen sharing.
Importing Media
You can also upload images, videos, and PDFs that you and your student can annotate on top of.
For more information on importing media, please refer to this article.
Session Guide
At the top of your learning portal, you will see an icon with 2 squares. Click this to copy the link to your student's unique session guide that includes their personalized lesson plan.
We recommend opening this guide in the Cobrowser (please see the section above for instructions).
Warm-Up
This provides fun ideas for warm-up activities that you can use to start your tutoring sessions.
In the first session of the week, you will complete a Growth Chat activity to discuss goals, emotions, and grit on a consistent basis. In the second session of the week, it is up to you both to decide!
Main Lesson
This is where you can find your student's login credentials, as well as the links to the respective curriculum websites.
Homework Help
The “Homework Help” section is a reminder that you can support students with homework for up to 20 minutes. This is optional, but recommended to support student's with what they are learning in class.
Tip: Ask the guardian to send a picture of the child's homework in a message!
Library
The “resource library” is where you can find interactive tools and important files.
Note: The Resource Library will not appear if you use the direct link located in the "Student Details" section. Please ensure you are using the "Start Meeting" button to launch the meeting.
Apps
Here is where you can find the Cobrowser, Calculator, and more.
Organisation
Under the Organisation Tab are program-specific tools and resources for you to use during tutoring.
Communication and Engagement Tools
Here are some different ways you can communicate and check for understanding on the Portal.
Using the Chat Function
If you want to type something to each other or share a link during the session, you can click on the speech bubble icon under the Emoji button to open the chat box and send a message.
Using Emojis to Make Sessions More Fun
Emojis are a fun tool to use with your student to share how they are feeling during the lesson.
Using the Timer Function
Click the clock button to access the timer feature, which will allow you to time an activity with your student.
Related Articles
- Getting Started: Learning Portal Quick Guide
- Recommended Devices and Browsers for the Learning Portal