Learn To Be Foundation

1. Take turns talking.

• Because of possible delays in VoIP techonology, wait until a student is finished speaking before you talk to avoid interrupting the student.
  

2. Change pen colors.  

• Use different colors on the whiteboard to help keep the work visually organized.
  

3. Use the red pointer as often as possible.  

• Because the student cannot see the movements of your mouse or where on the whiteboard you are directing, use the pointer tool to guide the student to where he or she should be looking or working.
  

4. Have the student complete as much of the work as possible.

• Guide the student through the process, but have the student do the actual writing, drawing, or reading.
  

5. Continuously provide the student with verbal feedback.

• With online tutoring, students cannot receive visual feedback from you because they cannot see your body language or facial expressions.  Therefore, keep the student aware that you are attentive.
  

6. Continuously give positive feedback.  

• Affirm the student both verbally (e.g. “that’s correct”, “good job”, “keep it up”, “uh-huh”) and visually (e.g. star correct answers, draw a smiley face on a completed worksheet).  Use the student’s name when giving positive feedback (e.g.  “Great job, William”, “Awesome, Samantha, I’ll bet you always pay attention in class.  That’s great!”).
  

7. Refrain from giving negative feedback.  

• Avoid using phrases such as “that’s wrong”, “you’re incorrect”, etc.  Replace these negative comments with encouraging phrases such as  “let’s try that again”, etc.
  

8. Don’t be afraid to engage the student.

• Talk about the student's interests and favorite subjects, books, etc.   However, be sure not to cross the line into personal or private information.
  

9. If you don’t know the answer, be honest with the student.  

• Advise the student to ask a teacher, an adult or another student for help.  It is better to be unsure and give a right answer than to be sure and give a wrong answer.
  

10. Make use of your resources.  

• Remember, you have the power of the Internet at your hands to find the correct answers.

“ I won’t forget the faces of students who were engaged, excited, and confident about their science projects.” ― Shannon Wey

Through our successful partnership with the Harmony Charter Schools, operated by the Cosmos Foundation, we have had the opportunity and pleasure of providing Harmony students with our tutoring services. In light of our success, we were invited to judge a science fair at the Harmony Science Academy.

More than fifteen LTB tutors spent their Saturday morning engaging in person with students. Arriving early, we entered the judges' room where we were briefed on our duties. After the briefing, we enjoyed a much-needed breakfast centered on coffee, courtesy of Harmony. I personally found the food to be a great stimulant after a restless night. Shortly after, we filed into a science lab where we evaluated the projects and then interviewed the kids, all of whom were very responsive and bright. Their responses left us awestruck and smiling, as only a student’s energetic youthfulness can evoke. The hard part for us as judges involved ranking the student projects and selecting a winner. It was very close in some situations and sometimes involved intense debates as judges fought for their favorite projects. In the end, however, we reached a decision. At the awards ceremony, we watched as our decisions were translated into students’ joy from being recognized for their hard work.

“As I was handing out awards, staging on the stage, I felt joyful. Learn To Be is making an impact, and I can see it making a difference.” ― Sagar

Upon on this success we were invited to the other two science fairs held by the Harmony network. The success continued at each of these science fairs, as they both bore new winners, smiles, and enriched learning. In the end, 30+ Learn To Be volunteers came to these science fairs on Saturday mornings.

“ It was a great experience to see how interested they were in science .. and how much they knew. One of them even did an experiment with liquid nitrogen. That was exciting!” ― Jeff

1. Do not share personal or private information.

2. Do not share personal pictures or videos.

3. Use computers that are in open or public spaces.

4. Do not agree to meet in person people who you befriend online.

5. Be aware of communications from unfamiliar persons.

6. Always report to an adult any suspicious activities or unfamiliar solicitations.

Learn To Be tutors will NEVER ask you for private information nor will they ever ask to meet or speak with you outside the online classroom.  Tutors may ask you about your hobbies, interests, or favorite things, but tutors will not ask you about private information.  When in doubt, tell your tutor that you are uncomfortable sharing information with him or her.  If you ever feel uncomfortable with the information you or your tutor has shared or requested, immediately report this to an adult.

Learn To Be reminds you to have a fun and safe online learning experience!

Apart from our usual online tutoring, we, the tutors at the UT Dallas chapter had the wonderful opportunity to interact with and teach little 3rd and 4th graders all about health in science as part of our annual Math and Science Camp.

As soon as we settled in our room usually occupied by serious business students, about 15 elementary school students came in, some jumping excitedly and others looking shy. We first tested the students' knowledge of the circulatory system by having them team up in pairs and trace each other’s outlines on butcher paper. We asked them to label where they thought their heart, brain, veins, arteries, and lungs were. As soon as they figured out that the heart didn't belong in their head and that their lungs weren't in their legs, they got creative and decorated their outlines with different stances and facial expressions. Who knew that kids would have so much fun labeling their own bodies?

Next, we demonstrated the properties of different blood types. The students mixed red and blue food coloring in water to illustrate different blood types, then guessed whether transfusions between blood types would be successful. The kids had so much fun predicting if a type-O donor could give blood to others, or guessing which blood types an AB-type person could receive. I guess teaching things with a little color really does make a big difference.

We passed out candy and snacks for our final lesson on taste buds. The students received Goldfish for their salty taste buds, Sour Patch Kids for their sour ones, and of course, chocolate and other candies for their sweet ones. In the end, we talked about college, high school, and even dream jobs. One student said he wanted to be a firefighter, while another hoped to be a surgeon. We were amazed by the students' questions and aspirations. Overall, this face-to-face teaching experience was such a great opportunity, and we’re sure that all the tutors who participated felt good about making an impact on the community's next generation.

The Math and Science Camp gives students in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas a chance to experience university life and engage in higher learning. Students attended four different classes, learning everything from mathematics to exercise physiology. Students are provided free lunch, a t-shirt, and a take-home bag.