Upswing expects you to begin each session anticipating that every student wants to connect with the full functionality of the VLC, which includes voice and video. Of course, if a student prefers chat or voice only, you should accommodate those requests, but it is our expectation at Upswing that you do not default to chat or wait until the student asks for voice and video features to be enabled.
For example, we'd like you to keep in mind that if you are working with a student for the first time, that you may be the student’s introduction to Upswing and our platform. If you begin with chat and disable voice and video, the student may not realize voice and video are options, or, even if they do, they may not ask for them or wait until the session is well underway. Particularly when working with a student for the first time, if you greet the student with voice without a response, you should send a chat message similar to this:
Hello! Welcome to Upswing! I’m _______. I see you only have chat enabled. Would you like to continue with chat today, or do you prefer to connect with voice and/or video? I am happy to accommodate your preference!
In the rare event that you can’t offer voice and video, and you have a session(s) booked, you should reach out to the student in advance in case the student prefers to reschedule when you can accommodate these features.
Tutor Management and the entire Upswing team understand that tech issues sometimes arise in the VLC, and that connectivity issues more generally can interfere with the VLC’s full functionality. We are highly sensitive to unique situations. That said, voice and video-enabled sessions typically generate better results for students. More importantly, we commit to our partner institutions and students that our VLC platform offers these features, so it's important that you use them when working with students.
Related to
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.