​TPS Preparation Online Classes

Online Courses

There are some key differences that make online tutoring more flexible and advantageous and a few which place more restrictions:

Features of Online Tutoring: 

1. Classes involve a conferencing and the set up of them will be done well in advance
2. The key issue for success in the computer speed so check to see your Mbps is at least over 10
3. Timing pf the classes is according to your needs and availability
4. Online learning can be quite tiring and different people respond differently to it. Please inform the teacher if you are one who especially ties out from video conferencing
5. Technical glitches do occur and will occur so you have to sometimes be patient
6. All platforms for conferencing are almost the same so it does not have to be Zoom but the share screen fiction is essential
   

Advantages & Restrictions

First relax - it is not that much different from home tutoring. 

Advantages

1. You can add another person to the lesson and not be charged more. After all, how would a tutor know anyways! The other person can ask questions but there are some restrictions on marked writing so see below #1
2. Unlike home tutoring, you can do shorter sessions of 1.5 hour, 1 hour or even 45 minutes. This is because no traveling is involved which allows for more flexibility
3. PDF Books can be shared onscreen - and practice tests 
4. Files and submissions are often easier to give instantaneously during online tutoring
5. The time greeting and getting set up with a home tutor is saved. You start and finish with the lesson.
6. You can conduct the class at work/ home or on holiday. The places you can do the class are unlimited.
7. Cancellations are more flexibly tolerated for obvious reason but will still not be accepted if done too late for non emergencies
8. Sound is shared so listening passages are easily done together

Restrictions:

1. ​Writing is still marked for free but is capped at 10 essays a week and that is 'per week, per lesson - not per student, so even if you have 2 or 3 people doing the lesson together, all writing counts as if one person. This is for obvious practical reasons.
2.  Payments do need to be in advance - but we will only take the first class in advance. After that it is up to you to decide the next classes, but the subsequent full program of 3-5 lessons must be paid in advance. With home teaching, of course, students pay at the end of the first lesson but pay subsequent lessons in advance as well..
3. While everything will be done to accommodate students if there are technical issues, the tutor is not obligated to add on time (although he or she will almost always do so - it is just not the right of a student to demand it). It is difficult to know where technical problems (tutor or student) might occur but there is always risk a computer or service can shut down and  require another call in. 
4. Times for booking tend to be in the early evening and not in the late afternoon.  You may find a narrower range of available times than with home tutoring.

Technical Needs

​Like most online teaching today, we use Zoom or Skype for individual lessons. At the moment, we are also developing Webinar classes but less individualized. For Zoom or Skype, you will need to download the Zoom or Skype program, share your username and be online just before the lesson begins. 

A few technical requirements

1. Try out Zoom or Skype first before doing a tutorial class
2. Make sure your internet speed in higher than 10 MbS
3. Make sure your volume is up to near maximum when you start
4. Make sure that your camera is on and situated in the top middle of the screen
5. It is best not to have any other programs or apps on at the same time
6. Report any time that the voice or image starts to freeze or come in voice chops or slow images immediately
7. Try to be close to your internet router

If you are new to Zoom a few features need to be learned. 

1. The shared screen feature. Usually the tutor will initiate it but there will often be times when you need to share your screen for the tutor such as when you are writing. It is not a difficult function but try to learn it before the lesson.
2. The shared sound function. Sometimes you will want the tutor to hear your computer's sounds, especially during practice tests.
3. How to retrieve files from Zoom. The tutor and you will find it more convenient to retrieve files directly from Zoom rather than from the slower email method.
   

Rules for all students under 17

We have a few rule for all students under 17 years old with respect to online lessons under Zoom or Skype
  1. The camera must be on. Also, it must show from the shoulders up, not a part of the head
  2. Students cannot mute the microphone during the lesson unless on a break
  3. No headphones unless absolutely necessary
  4. Students must have eye contact with the tutor - not be looking down
  5. Students must be online and ready to begin at least 5 minuted before the scheduled class
  6. Students cannot do the lesson on a bed or lying on a sofa.

17岁以下学生在线课程规则

1. 必须开启摄像头，且画面需显示肩部以上（不可只显示部分头部)
   
2. 课程期间不得静音麦克风（休息时间除外）
3. 除非绝对必要，否则不得使用耳机
4. 必须与导师保持眼神交流（不可低头）
5. 需提前至少5分钟上线并做好准备
6. 禁止在床上或沙发上躺着上课
   

Quy định cho học viên dưới 17 tuổi (học trực tuyến)

1. Bật camera và hiển thị từ vai trở lên (không chỉ một phần đầu)
   
2. Không tắt mic trong giờ học (trừ giờ giải lao)
3. Không dùng tai nghe trừ trường hợp cần thiết
4. Duy trì giao tiếp bằng mắt với gia sư (không nhìn xuống)
5. Online và sẵn sàng trước giờ học ít nhất 5 phút
6. Không học khi đang nằm trên giường/ghế sofa
   

Règles pour les étudiants de moins de 17 ans (cours en ligne)

1. La caméra doit être allumée, montrant le haut du corps (pas seulement une partie de la tête)
   
2. Le micro ne doit pas être coupé pendant le cours (sauf pendant les pauses)
   
3. Pas d'écouteurs sauf absolue nécessité
4. Maintenir un contact visuel avec le tuteur (ne pas regarder vers le bas)
5. Être connecté(e) et prêt(e) au moins 5 minutes avant le cours
6. Interdiction de suivre le cours depuis un lit ou un canapé (en position allongée)
   

Language support: Français, 普通话, Tiếng Việt (by phone/appointment).