Written by Colette Momartin

Sometimes, your tutee may turn their camera off in the middle of sessions or not turn their camera on at all. Cameras are required for our tutoring sessions as they allow you to build a relationship with your tutee, communicate effectively, and ensure they are remaining engaged in the lesson. Please use the below guidelines:

What you can say to your tutee

1.  
   • Emphasize the importance of using the camera--when you’re teaching to a black screen, you can not tell if they can hear you or if they are paying attention. 
   • When you are able to see each other, it allows you to have a more fun session and better conversations!
   • Encourage them to use virtual backgrounds if they do not want their surroundings to be seen. Walk them through how to do this on the Learning Portal.
   • Remind them that the camera is required at the start of the session. Set expectations about this early on, especially during your first two sessions.
   • Overall, offer support and show empathy at all times.

Ask for parent/guardian’s help

• Ask them before sessions, either while on the Learning Portal or via text, to assist your student in turning on their camera. 

• Confirm with the parent/guardian that this is the most comfortable spot for the student and they will not need to turn the camera off due to people in the background. 

   

Technical issues

• Please remind your student to enable camera permissions in order to see their video.

• If there is a device issue, email Tutor Support (tutorsupport@stepuptutoring.org) to be connected to any technical support that is needed. You can cc Family Support (families@stepuptutoring.org) if they need assistance obtaining a replacement device.

   

Other Considerations

• For shy students, you can set goals for using the camera such as: Day 1: Turn on for check-in, Day 2: Turn on for check-in and closing, Day 3: Turn on for whole session
• If your student turns on/off their camera repeatedly, you can tell them that you will wait until they are able to turn on their camera before continuing the session.

• Ensure that your student does not need a bathroom/stretch/snack break in this case.

   

Related Articles

1. Editorial: Boosting Your Student's Confidence
2. Editorial: How to make lessons more interesting for your tutees