Any expertice in webcams?

[cptacek]

I have an idea on how to make some extra money...math tutoring over the internet, for high school and lower level college classes. I've tutored many brothers/sisters/friends over the phone, but it is hard to explain algebra without them actually seeing an example of what you are doing. Lots of times, I would say "write this down exactly as I say it" and eventually get the point across, but if they could have seen it, it would have been a lot easier.

My idea is to have a web cam set up on some kind of stand on a desk, pointing down to a white board that I would write on to explain to the student how to do the problems. I would also want them to have a web cam so that they could do a problem and I could see it. I was thinking that I could buy a couple web cams, and when I get a client, I would sell them a package of, say, 3 hours of tutoring plus the web cam for a set price. Then, if they wanted to continue after that, they would just pay me per session.

I was going to use Skype for the connection. It is free, and I haven't heard much bad about it. Anyone have input on that?

I looked at newegg.com, but I don't know what I am looking for, really. There seems to be a huge range in prices, from $9.99 to $99.99.

Does anyone have any experience with web cams, and what resolution I should be looking for? I don't want to go too cheap, but it doesn't have to be the best one out there, either. I want to get two, one to set up for me, and one to set up for my brother, so we could try it before advertising.

Thanks!

[FrugalTexan75]

I've been looking into places that teach a foreign language (Spanish) and all of them use Skype for the one on one sessions. I think probably it would be best to leave it up to the student to get a webcam rather than you providing one as part of a package. Some may already have one, or they may want one that is on the more expensive side.

Good luck! It's a great idea.

[cptacek]

Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to get this one:
Guillemot Hercules Deluxe Optical Glass Webcam - 4780466 - Buy.com

[Broken Arrow]

I could've sworn I answered it in the blogs somewhere, but the short answer is to look into Logitechs. The have a wide range of products and the high ends are really nice (but expensive).

If I may make a suggestion, I recommend looking into products that will allow you to create a video. That way, instead of having to repeat the same material over and over again, you can link students to these videos instead.

Then, you can still supplement your videos with online web chats.

I've had professors in the past that did this, and it was actually quite effective.

Skype is very good software, and considering that the features you want right now can be had for free on it, that's where I would start.

As for specifics, I'm going to recommend 320x240 with mpeg video recording. Most web cams should be able to handle that.

[MonkeyMama]

We bought a Logitech for Skype. Was the best value.

Not sure if this is helpful, but recently discovered TokBox for video messaging (free). You can save videos as long as 10 minutes.

[owenlove]

For webcam you may try logitech too