Anyone who has ever had a child in school knows that homework is a big part of their lives. However, it can be difficult to help them with their assignments, especially when multiple subjects and tasks are to complete every night.
That's where online tutoring comes in. Tutors are available 24/7 to help students with anything they need assistance with, and this type of service can provide several benefits for students of all ages. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of online tutoring!
The Thinking Behind Exclusively Online Tutors
Online tutors typically follow one of two formats:
- Asynchronous tutoring relies on offline coursework.
- The tutor emails the pupil their assignments, and the pupil then completes their work and submit it online.
- Although most asynchronous tools allow students to reach out to instructors for extra help or clarification, both parties don't need to be online at the same time for that help to happen.
- Synchronous tutoring involves real-time interaction between the tutor and the pupil.
- It requires software that allows both parties to communicate directly via video, audio, or text.
When compared to its traditional counterpart, it's clear online tutoring has some unique benefits. For example, most online modules allow students to complete coursework at their own pace – and an incredibly convenient perk for anyone with a hectic schedule. And web-based learning indirectly – sometimes directly, depending on the subject – refines computing, word processing, and web-based competencies, all of which will be covered by future employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Online tutoring permits all to nurture their competency in the solace of their private time without any interference from many distractions. This easy access, the synergised system helps learners feel more at ease and adds an informal open-mindedness interaction.
Several studies demonstrate online tutoring can improve learning outcomes—but it is more effective when mimicking aspects of in-person tutoring. The key to online tutoring is identifying which elements are typically missing from online experiences and adding these as platform features.
Online tutoring is the process of tutoring in an online, virtual, or networked environment, in which teachers and learners participate from separate physical locations. Aside from space, literature also states that participants can be separated by time.
In most instances, you will enter how many hours you tutored and get paid your hourly rate via direct deposit into your bank account or through PayPal. If you are getting your clients independently, sending in an invoice after each session is one way to go about it.
On average, the low-end of individual online tutors starts between $20-$30 per hour. However, an online tutoring subscription package costs between $30 to $120 per month on average but can cost even more depending on the number of hours requested.
The Steps To Get Started
If you are a student who would like some extra help in one or more subjects or a parent of a child who could benefit from online tutoring, the following process will aid your search for a service provider that meets your specific needs.
Figure Out Exactly How A Tutor Can Help You
Most online tutors offer services that encompass a wide range of core subjects, but chances are you only need help in a few areas. Look for sites specialising in areas where you need the most improvement. For parents, it may be helpful to talk to your child about the subjects that interest them the most or the least in school; if there's hostility toward certain subjects, this could very well mean they'll benefit from the support of a tutor. For many students and parents, teachers, guidance counsellors, and other education professionals are the best resource for discovering online opportunities; they can often recommend programs that have been particularly effective with former students.
Make A List Of Viable Online Tutors.
Once you've identified your subject-specific needs, start browsing the web for suitable tutors. For each site that matches your criteria, you'll want to make several notes, such as the cost and contractual obligations, instructional style and qualifications of the staff, to name but a few.
After your search is complete, contact each entry on your list and inquire about the site's services. Pay attention to the company's response time and the answers; if the language is too generic or vague, this should serve as a red flag.
Once you think you've narrowed down your list to two or three candidates, perform another online search ― this time to see if any past clients have reviewed the sites or if the company practises caused any controversies. Many sites also offer sample tutorials for students to test out before making a financial commitment.
Choose A Provider And Review The Curriculum Carefully
Online tutoring is inherently convenient, but adjusting to an online-only learning format can be difficult for students accustomed to the classroom environment. Once you've identified the best online tutor for you or your child's needs, then it's important to make a plan of attack.
Review the curriculum and map out a weekly or monthly schedule if the program is self-guided. For more structured programs, determine how and when you will complete the coursework in conjunction with on-campus learning, extracurricular activities, employment, and other obligations. Finally, contact the tutor who will be interfacing with you or your child to ensure all the assigned coursework is completed and that the student's progress is realised.
Just as e-learning has essentially transformed the way students absorb information and complete their coursework, online tutoring provides the supplemental skills-building that students require in a significantly more cost-effective and convenient way than traditional services. So whether you're a graduate student eager to improve your writing skills to craft a stellar thesis or a third grader in need of a little extra help with geometry homework, online tutors are ready and able to provide the instruction needed to stay on track.
Online Tutoring Is Interactive And Innovative
One significant benefit of online tutoring is its potential for student engagement. Children today are products of a digital age, and many thrive in a virtual environment. Here at VocoVision, we say, "perfect." We have a proven ability to hold students attention and help them grow cognitively through our powerful learning platform. Many students are visual learners and love to play games and engage online. Our tutors create lessons and provide interactive assistance that incorporates such technology seamlessly. Where traditional tutoring may include worksheets, textbooks, and workbooks, we utilise all of the virtual tools available on the internet. The result is a user-friendly and enriching environment in which many students flourish.
You Can Plan Tutoring Sessions Around Your Schedule
Life happens and changes fast. You can set your student's tutoring sessions when it works for you with online tutoring. With availability in the evenings and weekends, VocoVision can accommodate your busy schedule. You no longer have to rush your child to a meeting place to have a tutoring session. Instead, schedule it virtually, turn on your device, and begin your online tutoring session.
Customised Learning Plans Based On Your Child's Current School Curriculum And Individual Needs
Our process begins with in-depth consultations to get to know your child and their learning goals and needs. Together, we develop a customised plan to optimise your student's tutoring sessions. Our experts provide services in all subject areas and at any required degree of remediation. For example, we provide supplemental or specialised reading support depending on your student's objectives.
We will supply assistance in any subject: History, Science, Maths, ELA, and study skills, to name a few. Whether your child is in general education classes, a special education classroom, or requires specific services such as SLP or OT, we have a qualified expert ready to help.
Benefits Of Online Tutoring
Flexibility
With one-on-one online tutoring, there's a lot more flexibility in scheduling your learning sessions.
You only need to schedule the time to fit in around you and your tutor's availability, rather than all your other classmate's schedules. That means studying at a convenient time for you and isn't squeezed in amongst your other commitments – helping you make the most out of your online learning experience.
Tailored Tuition
One of the greatest advantages of online tutoring is the personalised learning environment. As it's only you and your tutor in the sessions, it means that the syllabus can be curated to what you want to learn about and focus on any subject areas in which you may feel weaker.
One-On-One Support
As already mentioned, your online tutoring is only between you and your tutor. However, it means that you have their full attention throughout the session, giving you constant access to their help and feedback.
Unlike online classes, you'll be able to ask questions in real-time and work through difficult subject matter there and then, rather than having to wait for an opportunity to ask any questions.
Expert Tuition, Wherever You Are
The beauty of online learning is that it allows you to eliminate any geographical constraints and connect with expert tutors from anywhere in the world.
For us and our online learning platform, it means connecting you with the very best tutors from Oxford and Cambridge, no matter where you are. So you can experience an Oxford education without needing to leave the comfort of home.
Learning At Your Own Pace
One-on-one online tutoring removes the pressure to keep up with the pace of other students, which you may experience in a physical classroom environment. It also means that you don't need to wait for other students to get to grips with learning material before you can move on to the next topic.
The learning is between you and your tutor, and you can study at a pace that suits you.
Easily Accessible
Online tutoring only requires you, your computer and a good Wi-Fi connection. Unlike in-person private tuition, where you or your tutor may need to travel and then find a designated study space where you can avoid interruptions, it's very easy to do.
There are so many easy online technologies available nowadays, and it's never been easier to get online and connect to others.
Synchronous Tutoring
Our online learning platform, Melio, uses synchronous tutoring. It means that all online tutoring sessions happen in real-time through online video calls.
For you, this means working through subject matter together, using the tutorial method of teaching to help you delve deeper into topics and gain a 360-degree view of your subject. Your tutor is available to answer questions you may have and provide you with feedback and relevant research surrounding your subject.
Unlike asynchronous tutoring, which relies heavily on you doing offline coursework and communicating via email, you're actively engaged in your learning, which has been shown to help improve academic performance.
Tutorial Learning
As mentioned above, our tutors use the renowned Oxford tutorial method in their online tutoring sessions.
It involves critically analysing subject matter and dissecting it in detail to help you gain a deeper understanding of it. It also involves debating matters between you and your tutor, allowing you to fully grasp concepts backed by evidence and theories, as well as gain a rounded view of your subject.
This tutorial-style of learning is commonly referred to as the most effective way to learn, as well as to help students develop critical skills that are popular amongst
Focus on a subject that interests you
The great thing about online tutoring is that there are various subjects available to choose from, so you can study something that interests you and your learning wishes.
From the core subjects such as Mathematics and Physics to university-style subjects like Law and Medicine, our online tutoring programme caters to a whole range of subject interests.
Variety Of Learning Packages
Unlike your online classes scheduled by school, online tutoring allows you to control how much (or how little) tuition you need.
Our sister company and online tutoring platform, Melio, offers a range of tutorial packages. Depending on how much teaching you want and need, you can choose from 10, 20, 30 or 60 hours of tuition.
So, whether you want 10 hours of a university-style subject to see if you may want to pursue it in the future or a 60 hours package with core subjects to get you ahead academically, there's always plenty of online tutoring packages available to suit you.
- Rush-hour commutes can be truly horrible! You also save on transport costs. Finally, it is also more environmentally friendly and sustainable, especially if relying on cars.
- Elimination of geographical constraints – tutors and students can find each other from anywhere in the world. It means you can match students with the best tutors suited to their needs without being limited by the area in which they live.
- You can do lessons from any global location and at more flexible/awkward times (e.g. later at night). All you need is a device such as a computer or a tablet and an internet connection – something almost everyone in the Western world has nowadays. For tutors, this opens up a larger potential client base across all hours of the day.
- Efficient resource sharing through cloud storage shared folders such as Dropbox (I have shared Dropbox folders with all my students, containing syllabus notes, case study material, past papers, practise questions, sample questions, a copy of the specifications, etc.). It also helps keep everything organised and in one place.
- Easy use of online resources such as Google Maps or Google Earth, statistical websites or images and videos to help learn (again, especially useful with Geography). More interactivity is possible in an online lesson.
- Online whiteboards and screen sharing can be very effective teaching and learning tools. For example, help explain concepts – classic examples of how online technology can aid the learning environment.
- Going into someone else's private home can be a little exposing and awkward.
- There is no social pressure as no one sits watching everything students do in real-time.
- Students are more in the driving seat with online lessons and feel more empowered in a relaxed environment.
- Students nowadays are used to an online world and all the technology associated with online lessons and can therefore learn well.
- The entire lesson can be saved as a neat PDF, and lesson recording is also possible. Any links and materials sent via Skype chat, for example, is available at any later time in the chat history.
Conclusion
Tutoring is a valuable supplement for any student that desires maximum academic success. It can fill any gaps that may arise during busy school days and reinforce skills that may not be as solid as they should. Online tutoring, meanwhile, raises the bar even higher. It provides:
- Flexible scheduling.
- Expert instruction and assistance.
- We increased student engagement.
- I have personalised learning plans for your student.
All students – general education, special education, and those needing specialised services – can benefit from this useful and dynamic model. Online tutoring is here to stay, and for a good reason. Whatever your learning goals or objectives, we have the solution you seek. The VocoVision team brings experienced school professionals into homes across the country for online tutoring and virtual therapy sessions. Please schedule a consultation with our team today.