How to use online whiteboards and screen sharing for math tutoring

What online whiteboards do for math tutoring

Online whiteboards let you and your student write, draw graphs and move objects on the same shared space in real time. That is ideal for working through algebra steps, sketching functions or showing geometry constructions. The big advantage is visibility. The student sees every line as you write it and you see how they think when they take control of the board. Many tools also offer grids, shapes and equation support, which keeps math work readable. Used well, a whiteboard replaces the desk and paper you would share in an in person session and keeps everything inside your call.

Using screen sharing to guide problem solving

Screen sharing lets the student see exactly what is on your screen. You can display textbook pages, digital worksheets, graphing tools or a CAS. This is useful when you need to show how to use online calculators, math apps or your own prepared slides. It also helps when a student sends you a picture of a problem. You can open it, zoom in and talk through it while they follow along. Combine screen sharing with a pen tool or pointer so the student always knows where to look. Be ready to pause often and ask the student to restate each step in their own words.

First setup: simple tools and basic habits

Start with tools you can learn in one afternoon. Many tutors use Zoom or Google Meet for video, plus a browser based whiteboard like Miro, Mural or a tutoring platform board. At minimum, test audio, camera, and screen share. Practice writing a full solution on the whiteboard so you find a readable pen size and color. If you have a tablet or pen display, test how it feels. Create a few reusable pages, such as a grid for graphing or a template for solving equations. In your first real sessions, explain to students where to click and give them a chance to test drawing before real work starts.

Keeping collaboration active, not just a lecture

Online tools can tempt you to do all the writing while the student watches. That often leads to passive listening. Plan moments where the student must act on the whiteboard. Ask them to write the next step, circle errors or draw their own sketch. When using screen sharing, hand control to them if your platform allows it or ask them to share their own screen while they try a problem. Use short, clear prompts such as, "Your turn, write the next line" or "Show me how you would start". Aim for regular switches between you writing and the student writing so they stay mentally engaged.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Several problems show up again and again. Handwriting is too small and students on phones cannot read it, so write big, use strong contrast and clean the board often. Some tutors fill one endless page; this makes it hard to review. Instead, use separate boards or clear titles for each problem. Technical delays are another issue. If your writing lags, turn off extra apps and lower video quality. Finally, always have a backup plan. If a whiteboard fails, switch to sharing a blank document or use a simple camera pointed at paper. Tell students this plan in advance so they stay calm when tech misbehaves.

Useful links

• Zoom — Widely used platform with built in screen sharing and annotation.
• Google Meet — Browser based video calls that work well with web whiteboards.

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