Wyzant-a unique spin on online tutoring using an interactive whiteboard

Wyzant is an online tutoring learning platform that uses an interactive whiteboard for one on one sessions. This platform connects the student and the tutor with one on one face to face video virtual access to each other and provides full functionality of the whiteboard using a variety of different tools to choose from. For example uploading math problems and being able to it solve it right on the whiteboard. Wyzant provides access to over thousands of tutors that students and parents can select from based on the students need. There are a variety of subject areas to learn from and not only is it limited to tutoring, It also helps with Test Prep, Accounting, Java Script, Learning a different language as well as many other features. This platform is available at an affordable price and the student is able to have access to the tutor 24/7.

Check out the video below to learn more about Wyzant:

This unique interactive whiteboard provides the students a different way of being engaged with the tutor. Some of the features include using the whiteboard for brainstorming ideas, adding text objects of any size, and allowing markups annotations where needed. For example if you have picture of the United States Map and the tutor may ask the student where they are from. The student is able to circle the state.

Wyzant illustrates active curiosity because it helps the students to create a foundation of learning about subjects that they are interested while the tutor is able to keep the student engaged and teach the subject in a way that is keeping the student attention with the use of the interactive whiteboard. Curiosity is aroused when one wants to close perceived gaps and/or it can be aroused from uncertainty (Reiser & Dempsey, 2018).

Wyzant also illustrates motivation through meaningful goals. Tutors are able to assess and track the students need as they learn a new subject. Tutors are able to adjust the curriculum where needed to ensure the student is able to stay on track. The student is able to receive immediate feedback from the tutor and therefore is able to reinforce their learning skills. For example writing the student can upload their document to add directly to the whiteboard. Each tab can be edited, by adding annotations, text styles, and then saved.

Finally Wyzant is able to illustrate mastering the task by the students being able to use different tools on the whiteboard. According to (Betcher, C & Lee, M. 2009) Interactive Whiteboards isn’t a piece of a learning technology tool it is designed for teaching and learning while providing a way to actively engage the student. An example is having the student uploading a problem to the interactive whiteboard. The tutor is able to discuss the problem with the student. Tutors are able to build confidence in the students by demonstrating different strategies of how solve the problem and the student is able to save the example of how they solved problem as well as record the session and can go back to review as needed.

In conclusion Wyzant is a great tool to use from the convenience of your own home allowing the student to have that one on one learning session from the tutor who will help the student improve in study skills and succeed in the classroom.

References:

Keller, J.M. & Deimann, M. (2018). Motivation, volition, and performance. In R.A. Reiser, & J.V Dempsey (Eds.), Trends and issues in instructional design and technology (4th ed.) New York, NY: Pearson

Betcher, Chris & Lee, Malcolm, 1944- (2009). The interactive whiteboard revolution : teaching with IWBs. ACER Press, Camberwell, Vic

Wyzant (2018) Introducing the Wyzant Online Learning Tool [Video] Youtube. Retreived from https://youtu.be/bP3KpxyMsus