Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Online Math Class
1. Installing the Necessary Software
1.1 Zoom (For Live Classes)
Download & Install:
1. Go to https://zoom.us/download.
2. Click "Download" under "Zoom Client for Meetings".
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install.
4. Open Zoom and Sign Up (or Sign In if you have an account).
Basic Setup:
Click "New Meeting" to start a class.
Click "Share Screen" to show notes or a whiteboard.
Use "Record" to save your lesson.
Schedule classes using "Schedule" and send invitations to students.
1.2 Microsoft OneNote (For Writing & Teaching)
Download & Install:
1. Visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onenote.
2. Click "Download", install the software, and open it.
3. Sign in with a Microsoft account.
Basic Setup:
Click "Draw" to start writing with a mouse, stylus, or touchpad.
Use colors and highlighters to make notes visually engaging.
Organize topics into separate notebooks for structured lessons.
1.3 GeoGebra (For Graphing & Equations)
Download & Install:
1. Go to https://www.geogebra.org/download.
2. Select "GeoGebra Classic 6" and download it.
3. Open the downloaded file and follow the installation steps.
Basic Setup:
Open GeoGebra and choose between Algebra, Geometry, or Graphing.
Use it to visualize equations, draw graphs, and solve problems interactively.
1.4 OBS Studio (For Recording Lessons)
Download & Install:
1. Go to https://obsproject.com/download.
2. Click "Download for Windows/Mac", install the software, and open it.
Basic Setup:
Click "Start Recording" to begin recording your lessons.
Save the video and upload it to YouTube, Google Drive, or your teaching platform.
2. Setting Up Your First Online Math Class
2.1 Preparing Your Lesson Plan
Topic: Introduction to Algebra – Understanding Variables & Equations
Lesson Plan:
✅ 1. Warm-up Question (5 mins)
Ask: "What do you think variables are?"
Relate to real life (X as an unknown value in shopping or travel).
✅ 2. Explanation with Examples (15 mins)
Define variables, constants, and equations.
Example: 2x + 5 = 15 (solve step by step).
Demonstrate using OneNote or Zoom Whiteboard.
✅ 3. Interactive Activity (10 mins)
Ask students to solve 3 simple equations.
Provide hints instead of direct answers.
✅ 4. Real-Life Application (5 mins)
Show how algebra is used in budgeting, business, and engineering.
✅ 5. Quick Review & Homework (5 mins)
Ask: "What did you learn today?"
Give 2–3 problems for practice.
3. Testing Your Setup Before the Class
✅ Open Zoom and start a test meeting.
✅ Open OneNote and try writing math problems.
✅ Open GeoGebra and test graphing functions.
✅ Use OBS Studio to record a short practice lesson.
4. Next Steps
✅ Ensure you have a good microphone & webcam (built-in or external).
✅ Use a graphic tablet (optional) for smooth handwriting.
✅ Promote your classes on Preply, Superprof, or TutorMe to attract students.
Would you like additional help setting up your first live class? 😊
