Tutor article
Using our video platform for your lessons
Superprof has introduced a new video conferencing tool optimised for online lessons: Pencil Spaces.
It’s a virtual classroom that combines video conferencing, interactive whiteboards, and real-time collaboration tools, all in one place. Whether you're teaching math, practising a language, or sharing visual materials, Pencil Spaces offers a dynamic and intuitive environment designed to make online learning as effective and engaging as possible.
Schedule your lesson through Superprof.
Go to the Superprof messages tab when it's time.
Click the “Join Lesson” button - it opens Pencil Spaces in a new tab.
Allow your browser to use your camera and microphone when prompted.
When you first launch a lesson in Pencil Spaces, the interface is designed to be intuitive and focused on collaboration. Here's what you’ll see by default:
The central toolbar contains tools for:
Drawing
Adding text
Shapes
Uploading files
Selecting and moving objects
🔗 Browser-Based Access: No downloads required.
🖊️ Whiteboard: Real-time collaboration, exportable as PDFs.
📄 Document Sharing: Upload, annotate, and work with files live.
🖥️ Screen Sharing: Present visuals clearly.
💬 Chat: Use the text chat to drop messages or links.
📼 Recording: Save the lesson to your device.
🔒 Lock Whiteboard: Control which content is editable.
Click the three dots in your camera thumbnail and select “Record”.
Click “Leave the Call” when you're done.
Choose “My Computer” to save the file locally.
Click “Boards” in the bottom left, then the three dots on any board to export as PDF.
Click the maximise icon on your video thumbnail.
Click “Go to Boards” in the lower left to return to whiteboard view.
Lead Mode allows you to guide what your student sees which is great for structured lessons.
While Lead Mode is on:
Your student won’t be able to change views independently (for example, switching between camera view and whiteboard view).
This helps keep everyone focused on the same material at the same time.
If you wish to, you can turn off Lead Mode to give your student more flexibility during the lesson. To do so, simply click the blue crown icon.
Use the whiteboard toolbar to upload PDFs, images, or other teaching files.
To prevent changes, lock specific boards or elements using the lock icon.
Select the item and click the lock icon.
Click the chat button in the bottom left-hand corner.
🔇 No sound? Check your mic settings, permissions, or refresh the page.
📷 Camera issue? Close other video apps and re-allow browser permissions.
🌐 Space not loading? Use a strong connection, refresh, and clear cache if needed.
❌ Disconnected? Just click “Join Lesson” again from the My messages section of your dashboard.
✅ Use a headset for clearer sound.
✅ Upload materials before class to save time.
✅ Use the whiteboard and screen sharing for a more dynamic experience.
Still stuck? Contact us at hey@superprof.com with a brief description (screenshots help too!).
✨ What is Pencil Spaces?
It’s a virtual classroom that combines video conferencing, interactive whiteboards, and real-time collaboration tools, all in one place. Whether you're teaching math, practising a language, or sharing visual materials, Pencil Spaces offers a dynamic and intuitive environment designed to make online learning as effective and engaging as possible.
For a full breakdown of every feature, check out the Pencil Spaces help centre.
🧠 How to Join a Pencil Space
Allow your browser to use your camera and microphone when prompted.
📌 Tip: You can run a quick test before class to check your mic and camera.
🖥 Default View
When you first launch a lesson in Pencil Spaces, the interface is designed to be intuitive and focused on collaboration. Here's what you’ll see by default:
- 🧱 Main View: The Whiteboard – The workspace where you draw, write, and upload resources.
- 🎥 Camera View: Your video (and your student’s) appears in a movable thumbnail.
🛠 Toolbar Overview
The central toolbar contains tools for:
🧰 Key Features at a Glance
📼 How to Record Your Lessons
Click the three dots in your camera thumbnail and select “Record”.
Click “Leave the Call” when you're done.
Choose “My Computer” to save the file locally.
📌 Tip: You can stop and restart recording anytime which is great for making clips!
⬇️ How to Download/Export Whiteboard
Click “Boards” in the bottom left, then the three dots on any board to export as PDF.
🎥 How to Make Your Camera Full Screen
Click the maximise icon on your video thumbnail.
Click “Go to Boards” in the lower left to return to whiteboard view.
👑 Lead Mode
Lead Mode allows you to guide what your student sees which is great for structured lessons.
💡 A blue crown icon in the top left indicates Lead Mode is active.
While Lead Mode is on:
📄 How to Share Documents
Use the whiteboard toolbar to upload PDFs, images, or other teaching files.
📄 How to Lock Your Spaces/Boards/Objects
To prevent changes, lock specific boards or elements using the lock icon.
Select the item and click the lock icon.
💬 How to Send Chat Messages During Class
Click the chat button in the bottom left-hand corner.
🛠 Troubleshooting Tips
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Join a few minutes early to test your setup.✅ Use a headset for clearer sound.
✅ Upload materials before class to save time.
✅ Use the whiteboard and screen sharing for a more dynamic experience.
🧾 Need More Help?
Still stuck? Contact us at hey@superprof.com with a brief description (screenshots help too!).
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