By Rahul C. Sir – IIT Level Mathematics Educator
Introduction: Teaching Has Changed — And So Must Tutors
When I started my journey as a Mathematics teacher, teaching was limited to blackboards, chalk, notebooks, and face-to-face classrooms. Over the years, especially with the rise of online education, I have realized one important truth: great teaching today is a combination of strong subject knowledge and smart use of technology.
As an IIT-level Mathematics teacher, my responsibility is not just to teach formulas or solve problems, but to ensure clarity, engagement, discipline, and measurable progress for every student. Online teaching offers incredible reach and flexibility, but without the right tools, it can quickly become exhausting for tutors and ineffective for students.
Online tutors face daily challenges:
- Managing live classes smoothly
- Explaining complex concepts clearly
- Tracking student performance
- Sharing notes and assignments
- Keeping students engaged and disciplined
The good news is that modern digital tools can remove 70% of the manual burden from a tutor’s workflow. When used correctly, these tools allow teachers to focus on what truly matters: teaching, mentoring, and guiding students.
In this article series, I will share the Top 10 tools that every online tutor should use to make teaching easier, more professional, and more effective. These are tools I have personally used or carefully evaluated for real teaching environments.
Let us begin with the first three essential tools.
Tool 1: Zoom – The Backbone of Live Online Teaching
Website: https://zoom.us
No matter which subject you teach, live interaction remains the heart of online education. Among all video conferencing platforms, Zoom has proven to be the most reliable and tutor-friendly platform for structured online teaching.
Why Zoom Works So Well for Tutors
Zoom is not just a video calling app; it is a virtual classroom solution when used correctly. For Mathematics teaching especially, where step-by-step explanation is critical, Zoom offers features that are extremely helpful.
Key Features for Online Tutors
1. Screen Sharing with Control
Tutors can share:
- Digital whiteboards
- PPT slides
- PDFs
- Online problem solvers
- Coding or calculation tools
This is essential when solving IIT-level Maths problems that require multiple steps and diagrams.
2. Whiteboard for Real-Time Problem Solving
Zoom’s built-in whiteboard allows tutors to:
- Write equations
- Draw graphs
- Explain geometry visually
- Highlight key steps
Students can see concepts forming in real time, just like a physical classroom.
3. Session Recording
Every class can be recorded and shared with students. This helps:
- Students who missed the class
- Revision before exams
- Parents who want to review teaching quality
Recorded sessions also add long-term value to your course.
4. Breakout Rooms (Advanced Teaching)
For group batches, tutors can divide students into breakout rooms for:
- Practice sessions
- Peer discussions
- Doubt-clearing rounds
This feature is excellent for competitive exam preparation.
How Zoom Makes a Tutor’s Job Easy
Without Zoom, tutors would struggle to:
- Maintain classroom discipline
- Explain complex concepts visually
- Manage multiple students simultaneously
With Zoom, teaching becomes organized, scalable, and professional.
For any serious online tutor, Zoom is non-negotiable.
Tool 2: Google Jamboard / Whiteboard Alternatives – Explaining Concepts Visually
Google Jamboard (Legacy): https://jamboard.google.com
Recommended Alternatives:
Mathematics cannot be taught effectively without visual explanation. Whether it is algebra, calculus, trigonometry, or coordinate geometry, students need to see the logic unfold.
Digital whiteboards are a tutor’s best friend.
Why Digital Whiteboards Are Essential
In physical classrooms, we rely on blackboards. In online teaching, digital whiteboards replace and enhance that experience.
A good digital whiteboard allows tutors to:
- Write naturally with a stylus or mouse
- Draw diagrams cleanly
- Undo and correct mistakes instantly
- Save boards as PDFs for sharing
Best Whiteboard Options for Tutors
1. Whiteboard.fi
This is excellent for interactive teaching.
Features:
- Each student gets their own board
- Tutor can view all boards at once
- Ideal for checking homework live
- No complex setup required
This tool is extremely useful when you want students to solve problems during the class, not just watch passively.
2. Excalidraw
Perfect for clean diagrams and structured explanations.
Features:
- Simple interface
- Crisp diagrams
- Works smoothly with Zoom screen sharing
- No login required
For topics like vectors, geometry, and graphs, this tool works beautifully.
How Whiteboards Reduce Tutor Effort
Without digital whiteboards:
- Tutors struggle to explain visually
- Students lose interest
- Doubts remain unresolved
With whiteboards:
- Concepts become clearer
- Student engagement increases
- Teaching becomes faster and smoother
For IIT-level Mathematics, visual clarity is not optional — it is mandatory.
Tool 3: Google Classroom – Managing Students, Notes, and Assignments
Website: https://classroom.google.com
One of the biggest problems online tutors face is management, not teaching.
Questions tutors often struggle with:
- Where do I upload notes?
- How do I collect homework?
- How do I track student submissions?
- How do I maintain batch discipline?
This is where Google Classroom becomes a powerful assistant.
What Google Classroom Does for Tutors
Google Classroom acts as a central control system for your online teaching.
It allows tutors to:
- Create separate classes/batches
- Upload notes, PDFs, and videos
- Assign homework with deadlines
- Receive student submissions automatically
- Give feedback and grades
Key Benefits for Online Tutors
1. Organized Teaching Workflow
Everything is stored in one place:
- Class materials
- Announcements
- Assignments
- Student responses
This eliminates WhatsApp chaos and email confusion.
2. Automatic Assignment Tracking
Tutors can instantly see:
- Who submitted homework
- Who missed deadlines
- Who needs attention
This saves hours of manual follow-ups.
3. Professional Student Experience
Students feel:
- More disciplined
- More accountable
- More connected to the tutor
This improves seriousness and results.
Why I Recommend Google Classroom to Tutors
As tutors grow from 1-to-1 sessions to batch teaching, manual management becomes impossible.
Google Classroom:
- Reduces administrative stress
- Improves student accountability
- Creates a professional teaching ecosystem
For tutors aiming to scale their online teaching, this tool is a game-changer.
Tool 4: Google Forms – Smart Assessments Without Manual Checking
Website: https://forms.google.com
One of the biggest challenges for online tutors is assessment. Teaching a concept is only half the job; the real work begins when you check whether students have truly understood it.
In offline classes, we conduct tests and check answer sheets manually. Online, doing this without tools can quickly become exhausting. This is where Google Forms becomes a silent but powerful assistant for tutors.
Why Online Tutors Need Automated Assessments
As an IIT-level Mathematics teacher, I firmly believe that frequent testing builds confidence and speed. However, manually creating tests, checking answers, and tracking scores wastes valuable teaching time.
Google Forms solves this problem beautifully.
How Google Forms Helps Tutors
With Google Forms, tutors can:
- Create quizzes in minutes
- Add MCQs, short answers, or numerical questions
- Set correct answers and marks
- Automatically calculate scores
- Instantly view student performance
This makes it ideal for:
- Weekly tests
- Chapter-wise assessments
- Revision quizzes
- Instant concept checks
Key Features That Save Tutor Time
1. Auto-Grading System
Once answers are set, Google Forms checks submissions automatically. Tutors no longer need to:
- Check each paper manually
- Calculate marks
- Prepare score sheets
This alone can save hours every week.
2. Performance Analysis
Google Forms provides:
- Question-wise accuracy
- Student-wise scores
- Average class performance
This helps tutors identify:
- Weak concepts
- Slow learners
- Topics that need revision
3. Easy Sharing and Submission
Forms can be shared via:
- Google Classroom
Students can attempt tests on mobile, tablet, or laptop.
Why I Recommend Google Forms to Tutors
For online tutors, testing should be:
- Frequent
- Fast
- Data-driven
Google Forms allows tutors to test students without increasing workload. It transforms assessment into a smooth, automated process while maintaining seriousness and discipline.
Tool 5: Kahoot – Making Learning Interactive and Fun
Website: https://kahoot.com
One common misconception among tutors is that serious subjects require serious teaching methods. In reality, engagement plays a crucial role in learning — even for competitive exams like IIT-JEE.
This is where Kahoot comes in.
What Is Kahoot?
Kahoot is an interactive quiz-based learning platform that turns assessments into engaging live games. Students answer questions in real time, compete with each other, and see instant results.
While it looks fun on the surface, Kahoot is a powerful engagement tool when used strategically.
How Kahoot Helps Online Tutors
Online classes often suffer from:
- Passive listening
- Reduced attention span
- Lack of interaction
Kahoot solves these issues by:
- Encouraging participation
- Creating healthy competition
- Making revision sessions lively
Best Use Cases for Tutors
Kahoot works extremely well for:
- Revision classes
- Formula recall
- Speed-based practice
- End-of-chapter summaries
For Mathematics, it helps students:
- Improve calculation speed
- Think quickly under time pressure
- Stay alert during classes
Features That Benefit Tutors
1. Live Quiz Mode
Tutors can host live quizzes where:
- All students join using a code
- Questions appear on the tutor’s screen
- Students answer from their devices
This keeps everyone involved.
2. Instant Leaderboards
Students can see their ranking instantly. This:
- Boosts motivation
- Encourages effort
- Creates excitement
3. Reports and Insights
After the quiz, tutors receive:
- Individual student scores
- Accuracy reports
- Question-level insights
This data helps in planning future lessons.
Why Kahoot Works Even for IIT-Level Students
Competitive exam preparation requires:
- Speed
- Accuracy
- Mental alertness
Kahoot trains students to think quickly in a low-pressure, engaging environment. When used occasionally, it refreshes the classroom atmosphere and keeps students mentally sharp.
For online tutors, Kahoot is not entertainment — it is strategic engagement.
Tool 6: WhatsApp (or Telegram) – Fast Communication & Student Support
WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com
Telegram: https://telegram.org
No matter how advanced teaching platforms become, communication remains the backbone of online education.
Students need:
- Quick updates
- Class reminders
- Doubt-solving support
- Motivation and guidance
For tutors, managing communication across emails, calls, and messages can become overwhelming. This is why tools like WhatsApp and Telegram remain essential.
Why Messaging Platforms Matter for Tutors
In online coaching, students are not physically present. This creates a gap that must be filled with:
- Clear communication
- Consistent follow-ups
- Easy accessibility
Messaging platforms bridge this gap effectively.
How Tutors Can Use WhatsApp Professionally
When used correctly, WhatsApp becomes a support system, not a distraction.
Tutors can use it for:
- Class announcements
- Sharing important links
- Homework reminders
- Quick doubt clarification
- Parent communication (if required)
Best Practices for Tutors
1. Separate Academic Groups
Create:
- Batch-wise groups
- Announcement-only groups
- Doubt discussion groups
This avoids clutter and confusion.
2. Fixed Communication Timings
Tutors should set:
- Clear doubt-solving hours
- Defined response windows
This maintains professionalism and avoids burnout.
3. Use Broadcast Lists for Updates
Broadcast lists allow tutors to:
- Send messages individually
- Avoid unnecessary group replies
This keeps communication clean and focused.
Telegram as an Alternative
Telegram is useful for:
- Large batches
- Sharing large files
- Creating structured channels
Many tutors prefer Telegram for:
- Less distraction
- Better content organization
Why Communication Tools Make a Tutor’s Job Easier
Without proper communication tools:
- Students feel disconnected
- Doubts remain unresolved
- Discipline weakens
With smart communication:
- Students feel supported
- Engagement increases
- Trust builds naturally
For online tutors, accessibility with boundaries is the key — and messaging platforms make this possible.
Tool 7: OBS Studio – Professional Class Recording & Content Creation
Website: https://obsproject.com
As online tutors, our teaching does not end when the live class ends. Recorded lectures, concept videos, and revision sessions have become an essential part of modern education. Students expect access to recordings so they can revise difficult topics multiple times.
This is where OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) becomes extremely valuable.
Why Tutors Need High-Quality Recordings
In competitive exam preparation like IIT-JEE:
- Students revise concepts multiple times
- One explanation is often not enough
- Recorded content improves retention
However, basic screen recording tools often fail to deliver clarity, especially for Mathematics, where precision matters.
What OBS Studio Offers Tutors
OBS Studio allows tutors to:
- Record screen and webcam together
- Capture digital whiteboards clearly
- Add microphone audio with noise control
- Create professional-quality videos
The best part? It is completely free.
How OBS Makes a Tutor’s Job Easier
With OBS, tutors can:
- Record live classes as backups
- Create topic-wise video libraries
- Reuse explanations across batches
- Build long-term teaching assets
Instead of repeating the same explanation multiple times, tutors can simply refer students to recorded content.
Why I Recommend OBS for Serious Tutors
If you plan to:
- Teach long-term
- Scale your courses
- Build authority as an educator
OBS helps you move from live-only teaching to a hybrid teaching model, where recorded content supports live mentoring.
Tool 8: Canva – Creating Notes, Presentations & Visual Content Easily
Website: https://www.canva.com
Teaching Mathematics is not just about solving problems. It is also about presenting concepts clearly. Poor visuals can confuse students, while clean, structured content can make learning effortless.
This is where Canva becomes a powerful tool for tutors.
Why Visual Content Matters in Online Teaching
Students today are:
- Used to clean digital interfaces
- Visually oriented learners
- More engaged with structured content
Canva helps tutors create:
- PPT slides
- Concept summaries
- Formula sheets
- Infographics
All without needing graphic design skills.
How Canva Helps Tutors Save Time
Instead of:
- Creating slides from scratch
- Struggling with formatting
- Using boring text-heavy notes
Tutors can:
- Use ready-made templates
- Customize layouts quickly
- Maintain visual consistency
This saves hours of preparation time.
Best Use Cases for Online Tutors
Canva is ideal for:
- Introducing new topics
- Explaining formulas visually
- Creating revision notes
- Designing worksheets
For IIT-level Mathematics, formula summaries and visual breakdowns help students revise faster and remember better.
Why Canva Is Tutor-Friendly
Canva:
- Works on browser and mobile
- Requires no technical knowledge
- Offers free and paid plans
For online tutors, Canva transforms content creation from a burden into a simple task.
Tool 9: Notion – Organizing Teaching, Planning & Student Progress
Website: https://www.notion.so
As tutors grow, they start juggling:
- Multiple batches
- Different syllabi
- Individual student progress
- Lesson planning
Managing all this mentally is impossible. This is where Notion acts like a digital brain for tutors.
What Is Notion?
Notion is an all-in-one organization tool that combines:
- Notes
- Databases
- Task management
- Planning dashboards
For tutors, it becomes a central control system.
How Tutors Can Use Notion
Tutors can create:
- Batch-wise lesson plans
- Student progress trackers
- Topic completion lists
- Doubt logs
- Test schedules
Everything stays organized and searchable.
Why Notion Makes Tutors More Efficient
Instead of:
- Searching through notebooks
- Losing track of student performance
- Forgetting pending tasks
Notion helps tutors:
- Stay structured
- Plan classes in advance
- Track long-term progress
This reduces mental stress and improves teaching quality.
Ideal for Personalized Coaching
Since I believe strongly in individual attention, Notion helps maintain:
- Personalized notes for each student
- Weakness tracking
- Improvement history
For online tutors offering personalized coaching, Notion is a silent productivity booster.
Tool 10: Learning Management Systems (LMS) – Long-Term Course Delivery
Examples:
As online tutors evolve, many reach a stage where:
- Live classes alone are not enough
- Students want structured courses
- Content needs to be available 24/7
This is where a Learning Management System (LMS) becomes essential.
What an LMS Does for Tutors
An LMS allows tutors to:
- Upload recorded lectures
- Organize content topic-wise
- Assign quizzes and tests
- Track student progress
- Control access to paid courses
Why LMS Is Important for Scaling
Without an LMS:
- Tutors repeat the same teaching
- Content gets scattered
- Student experience suffers
With an LMS:
- Courses become structured
- Teaching becomes scalable
- Tutors save time long-term
Best Use Cases for Tutors
LMS platforms are ideal for:
- Recorded crash courses
- Revision programs
- Foundation batches
- Hybrid teaching models
For IIT Mathematics, an LMS allows students to learn at their own pace, while tutors focus on doubt-solving and mentoring.
Choosing the Right LMS
Tutors should choose based on:
- Ease of use
- Student interface
- Pricing
- Content control
Even starting small with an LMS prepares tutors for future growth.
Final Conclusion: Teaching Smarter, Not Harder
Online teaching is no longer about just switching on a camera and teaching. It is about building a complete digital teaching system.
The tools discussed across all three parts:
- Zoom
- Digital Whiteboards
- Google Classroom
- Google Forms
- Kahoot
- WhatsApp / Telegram
- OBS Studio
- Canva
- Notion
- LMS Platforms
Together, these tools:
- Reduce manual effort
- Improve teaching quality
- Enhance student engagement
- Enable long-term growth
As tutors, our goal should be to use technology as support, not as a burden. When used correctly, these tools allow us to focus on what truly matters — guiding students, building confidence, and delivering results.
Teaching will always be a human profession. Technology simply makes it easier, cleaner, and more impactful.