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Faq
General Issues
What headset should I get?
How do I test the online classroom before the lesson?
Why online tutoring?
Can anyone use your service?
How do I pay?
What if I don't use all the credit?
How long do you recommend each lesson should be?
Which tutor should I choose?
Safety and privacy issues
Safety of online education
How can you be sure that the Tutor is from where they say they are from?
Technical issues and requirements
My audio is not working?
Why is there an audio delay?
What are the system requirements?
Do I need to download any software?
What kind of internet connection do I need?
Why is there an echo?
I think I might have a microphone built into my computer, how can I check?
Home Tutoring Online is an online tutoring company in the UK, offering world class tutoring at a fraction of the price. Our customers say they use us because of our affordability, convenience, quality and service.
How do I test the classroom our before the lesson?
We recommend that you test out the classroom before the lesson so that you can get used to it and play around with it. To do this, simply log in to your account, select the WHITEBOARD tab then select START DEMO LESSON. This will launch the test whiteboard. Please watch the video tutorial.
Please make sure that your headset settings are correct, even if you use such applications as Skype it doesn't necessarily mean it work on our system. Please follow these simply instructions (choose which operating system you are on).
Audio settings for Windows XP
Audio settings for Windows Vista
How affordable is Home Tutoring Online?
Our private tutoring is amazing value for money at only £15 per hour. The average cost for a private tutor in the UK is between £30 - £40 per hour and when you consider that some private tutors in the UK charge up to a whopping £100 per hour, Home Tutoring Online is excellent value for money, affordable and personal 1-to-1 private tutoring.
How convenient is online tutoring?
Our tutoring is provided through the internet from the convenience of your own home. That means no more driving to tutors houses or letting tutors into your home and no more searching the internet for help. We offer you quality 1-to-1 private online tutoring, around the clock, when you need it, at your convenience.
What is the guarantee?
We can guarantee that with regular tutoring lessons with our tutors your child's knowledge and understanding is going to increase and chances of getting the grades they desire is guaranteed going to increase.
Is Home Tutoring Online easy to use?
Home Tutoring Online couldn't be easier to use. The awarding winning whiteboard is so simple to use and allows teaching and learning to be easy. Register for free now (if you haven't already done so) and try our whiteboard out for free. You could also watch a lesson demonstration to see just how easy and incredible Home Tutoring Online is to use. The student and tutor communicate verbally via headset (headset with microphone) and the chat box. It is not necessary to have a headset but we very highly recommend it to get the most out of each lesson. You can purchase a headset from most good computer/electronic retailers or it's likely to be cheaper online. We recommend the XYZ headset from Amazon. Other websites also include Staples and Best Buy.
Do I need broadband?
We recommend a high speed internet connection to achieve the most out of each lesson, therefore we recommend having broadband. A dial up connection with 32 kbps or more will also work fine. If you would like to check you dial up connection than you can visit www.speakeasy.net.
Safety of online education
At Home Tutoring Online we take safety extremely seriously and are an upmost priority. Home Tutoring Online takes several steps to ensure the security of its students and tutor and create a safe and fun learning environment:
- All tutors are required to produce a recent enhanced CRB check
- Qualified tutors are required to provide a copy of their QTS
- Student tutors are also required to verify their details including the university they claim to be at.
- We keep a very close eye of student and tutor message exchanges
- We encourage parents to sit in the lesson to get an understanding of what their child is learning and what is happening during the lesson.
- All comments/emails etc made jeopardising the safety of any student or tutor will result in a full investigation and action will be taken as necessary.
- All payment is made through PayPal, the world's safest online payment method.
What headset should I get?
A headset is not a necessity but it is very highly recommended. A good headset will block out noises and will give you the ability to hear and talk to your tutor with crystal clear sound quality. Most headsets from your local electronics store will work fine. We recommend the following headsets:
- Plantronics Audio models
- Labtec headset models
- Logitech headset models
Audio settings for Windows XP
Audio settings for Windows Vista
I think I might have a microphone built into my computer, how can I check?
Many modern laptops and computers have a built in microphone, especially Apple computers and laptops. Follow the instructions below to check if it is working. We do however still recommend using a headset as it will block out other noise and provide you with crystal clear communication.
If you would like to check to see if your microphone on your headset or computer is working follow the following instructions:
- Select the 'start' menu (it's the very bottom left hand corner of your screen)
- Select 'All Programs' (on versions Microsoft XP and Vista)
- Select 'Accessories'
- Select 'Entertainment'
- Select 'Sound Recorder'
- This will allow you to record yourself talking and will enable you to play it back. If there is no sound when you play it back it means your microphone on your headset isn't working or the settings are incorrect.
Audio settings for Windows XP
Audio settings for Windows Vista
Why private tuition?
Our customers say they choose private tuition for their child for many different reasons. Firstly, the rocky school system being unable to provide the sufficient levels of education and direct teaching, so private tuition is a way to catch up, get ahead or prepare for exams. Others say they use us to give their child a better understanding of certain subjects, or too reach the level needed to gain entrance to the desired secondary schools and universities due to rising standards and competition for places.
Why online tutoring?
Online tutoring is the way forward, the latest phenomenon to hit the internet and has changed the private tutoring industry forever. Over the last 2 years online tutoring has dominated the private tutoring industry in the US and it's slowly creeping over the pond to the UK and Europe. Buy why? People prefer the convenience of it, its affordability, the high quality standard and the service they receive. Some of the key benefits include:
- The freedom to search and choose a tutor who is suitable fro your needs and requirements
- No travelling to and from the tutors house
- Secure online payment
- Safe and fun learning environment
- You receive feedback after every lesson - how it went, areas of strength's / weaknesses
Can anyone use your service?
Although our most popular areas are entrance exams, GCSE and A level our service is open anybody.
How do I pay?
Payment needs to be made prior to beginning the lesson. If you don't have sufficient funds then you won't be able to start the class. You pay by simply credit your account by paying through PayPal or with your credit or debit card. If you don't have a PayPal account and would like to pay with your card simply click through to the PayPal option but instead of logging into your PayPal account you can just enter your card information. Watch a video tutorial
Payment is 100% secure. PayPal is the worlds most trusted and secure online provider.
What if I don't use all the credit?
We are happy to offer a full refund (minus the PayPal fee*) for any unused credit within 6 months of purchasing them.
*Typically 4%-5%.
How long do you recommend each lesson should be?
The time of the lesson varies depending on the age and level of your child. We say that:
- For a student at primary school level we recommend between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- For a secondary school student we recommend between 1 hour and 1 ½ hours.
- For an A-level student we recommend between 1 and 2 hours.
- All tutors are required to produce a recent enhanced CRB check
- Qualified tutors are required to provide a copy of their QTS
- Student tutors are also required to verify their details including the university they claim to be at.
- We keep a very close eye of student and tutor message exchanges
Which tutor should I choose?
It's important to look through the tutors profile to find a tutor that your child feels most compatible to. We have found that tutors whose character is similar to that of the student can build up a great rapport and it makes learning easier and the student proves to achieve more. Also, if you intend to have a tutor all through the school year we recommend that you let the tutor know (I'm sure they'll be delighted!) to check they will be available.
You can change your tutor at any time you wish; you have not commitment or obligations to any tutor.
I have sent a message to the tutor but haven't received a reply?
We expect our tutors will reply within 24-48 hours (normally its much sooner!)but if after 48 hours you haven't received a reply please contact us and we will get in contact with the tutor. You may also want to search for a different tutor. We implement an automatic text messaging and email service to let the tutor know you have sent them a message, so you can expect a prompt reply.
What if I need to cancel the lesson?
Both you and the tutor are able to cancel the lesson without notice or liability. We do recommend that if you do need to cancel the lesson you talk to your tutor before hand so you can arrange a suitable time for you. If you are unhappy with a tutor please contact us A.S.A.P. You are reminded that you can change tutors at any time.
I can't hear the tutor?
please make sure that your headset settings are correct, even if you use such applications as Skype it doesn't necessarily mean it work on our system. Please follow these simply instructions (choose which operating system you are on).
Audio settings for Windows XP
Audio settings for Windows Vista
The subject I need tutoring for is not listed?
If there is a subject which you need tutoring for but is not listed on the website, please get in contact with us at contact@hometutoringonline.com and we will get our highly qualified team to do our best to hunt one down for you!
