Common Questions about Online Tutoring

What can I use as an alternative to BitPaper?

If you are seeking a BitPaper alternative for your online whiteboard software, one thing to try is Microsoft OneNote. I create a video to demonstrate how Microsoft OneNote can be used as a whiteboard:

BITPAPER - ONLINE WHITEBOARD SOFTWARE

Is BitPaper free?

I often get questions about BitPaper pricing. They announced in March 2020 that BitPaper is no longer free. This goes into effect starting April 1, 2020. BitPaper is still the online whiteboard software I recommend for online tutoring. To learn more about this change, watch the video below:

What is BitPaper?

Bitpaper is an free online whiteboard software, which I recommended using for online tutoring sessions. If you’re looking for a BitPaper tutorial, check out these videos below!

Is a digital pen needed for BitPaper?

You can use one if you’d like, but it’s not necessary! Everything can be done simply using your mouse. If you’d like to know what tablet & pen I recommend, check out this free guide with the tools for tutoring online.

Can BitPaper be used on an iPad?

It most certainly can! Just keep in mind that if either you or your student has BitPaper open on an iPad, you will not be able to see them. (On an iPad, only one application can be open at once)

Can BitPaper be used to conduct group sessions?

Absolutely! There is not a limit to the number of participants, however, keep in mind that having a large number of students using the same paper at once may cause lagging.

Can my student access BitPaper on a cell phone?

Yes! Keep in mind that your BitPaper screen size will readjust to match the participant with the smallest screen. For example, if your student is accessing BitPaper via cell phone, you will see an outline of the smaller screen size on your BitPaper page. That is to indicate what the person on the cell phone is able to see. 

How does my student access my BitPaper page?

After you create a new paper on BitPaper, copy and paste the URL to that paper. Once the student has clicked on the URL, they will be on the same page as you can work simultaneously!

Can I conduct video calls through BitPaper?

You most certainly can! You can conduct your entire tutoring session solely using the BitPaper website if you’d like. I have not conducted video calls on BitPaper myself, as I am more accustomed to using Zoom. It’s whatever you prefer!

ZOOM - VIDEO CALLING SOFTWARE

How is Zoom different from Skype or other video calling software?

In my experience, I have found Zoom to be the most reliable video calling software I have ever used. It is used by businesses worldwide and is known for its dependability. You will get the best quality connection on Zoom compared to other platforms. It’s the best free platform I have used!

Do you have tutorials for using Zoom?

Can Zoom be used to conduct group tutoring sessions?

Absolutely! On the free plan of Zoom, you can conduct a group session (over 2 people) for up to 40 minutes. At the 40 minute mark, you will be kicked out of the meeting room. If you plan to conduct sessions for 40 minutes or more, you will need the basic paid plan of Zoom. You do not want to be in a situation where you are kicked out unexpectedly.  Since parents are paying you to work with their children, that does not reflect well on you as the tutor!

How can I use Zoom with BitPaper?

If you’d like to use both of these tools, I demonstrate how I do this in the video below!

Do I need to use Zoom and BitPaper together?

Nope! These are two separate platforms. Zoom has its own whiteboard software, which I talk about in this video below. BitPaper has its own video calling feature, but I have not used it so I cannot attest to how it works.

How does my student enter the Zoom meeting?

Great question! There are a few different ways to do this. When you create your Zoom account, you will get something called a “Personal Meeting ID”. This is basically like your phone number. No one else can use that ID to host a meeting except you! So you can share this with all students to use whenever they have a tutoring session.

The downside to using the Zoom meeting link for everyone is that you run the risk of a student entering the meeting when you are in a session with someone else. This may happen if someone is just testing out the link, or maybe their session starts in a few minutes and they enter the room too soon.

If you hold sessions back-to-back, then I recommend creating a unique meeting room ID for each student. You can do this by opening up the zoom app, clicking the schedule button, and filling out the details. Make sure to select a “recurring meeting”. This will allow you to use the same ID more than once.

How do I keep meetings secure?

Since there have been an influx of users on Zoom in recent months, security issues have become more prevalent. Watch the video below for steps you can take to protect your meetings!