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Video Calls for Tutoring: Teach From Anywhere

Online tutoring needs two things from a video tool: a clear face-to-face connection and the ability to share a screen. Everything else (accounts, downloads, scheduling features) is overhead that adds cost and complexity to a tutoring practice.

For independent tutors working with 5 to 20 students, the video call tool should not be a line item in the budget. It should just work.

What Tutors Actually Need

The core workflow for an online tutoring session:

  1. Face-to-face video. The student needs to see the tutor and vice versa. Body language and facial expressions are part of teaching
  2. Screen sharing. The tutor shares a document, a whiteboard app, a PDF, or a presentation. The student can also share their screen to show their work
  3. Text chat. For dropping links, sharing equations, or sending notes without interrupting the conversation

InstantVideoCall provides all three in the browser. No app to install, no account to create. For a detailed look at free screen sharing options, see our guide.

Works on Student Chromebooks

A large number of students use Chromebooks, especially in K-12 education. Chromebooks cannot run traditional desktop applications. They are browser-first devices. Many popular video call apps either do not work on ChromeOS or require workarounds.

Browser-based video calls are native to Chromebooks. There is nothing to install and no admin privileges required. This means students on school-managed devices can join a tutoring session without asking IT for permission. For Chromebook-specific tips, see our video call on Chromebook guide.

Keeping Costs Low for Tutors

Independent tutors often operate on thin margins. A Zoom Pro license is $13.33/month. That is $160/year for a tool that does one thing: host video calls. If your tutoring sessions are one-on-one or small groups, a free tool covers everything.

What you do NOT get with a free browser tool:

  • Recording. If you want to record sessions for students to review, you will need a separate screen recording tool or a paid platform
  • Integrated whiteboard. InstantVideoCall does not have a built-in whiteboard. You can share your screen while using a whiteboard app (like Excalidraw, Google Jamboard, or a physical whiteboard on camera)
  • Scheduling. There is no booking system. You generate a link and send it. For recurring sessions, some tutors create the link 5 minutes before the session and text it to the student

Session Setup for Tutors

  1. Five minutes before the session, click "Start Call" and generate a link
  2. Send the link to your student via text, email, or whatever messaging app you use
  3. Open your teaching materials (document, whiteboard app, slides) in a separate window
  4. When the student joins, share your screen to show the materials

The student joins by clicking the link. If they are on a browser-based device, there is nothing else to do.

For Tutoring Centers and Small Groups

If you tutor small groups (2 to 5 students), share the same link with all students. They join the same room. Each student can see the tutor and hear the conversation. For broader educational use cases beyond tutoring, see our education page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Browser-based video calls are the ideal tool for Chromebooks. There is nothing to install and no admin privileges needed. The student clicks the link and joins in Chrome.

Yes. You can share your entire screen, a specific application window, or a single browser tab. This works for showing PDFs, slides, whiteboard apps, or any teaching material.

No. But you can share your screen while using a free whiteboard tool like Excalidraw or Google Jamboard. You can also point a camera at a physical whiteboard if you prefer.

No. Students click the link you send them and join the call in their browser. No account, no app download, no password. This is especially helpful for younger students who should not be creating accounts on various platforms.

Ready to make a call?

Start a free video call instantly. No download, no login, no app. Just click and talk.

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