Is hiring an online English tutor worth it?
As more schools went online during the lockdown, online tutoring experienced a huge increase. Most of the advantages of in-person tutoring are provided by these programs, but with the ease and convenience of the internet and accessibility. These benefits persuaded several parents to enroll their kids in online learning during the outbreak months due to rising health worries as well as these benefits.
Now that many schools around the world have started offering in-person seminars, parents and students are debating whether hiring an online tutor is still worthwhile. Does the need for online tutoring still exist today that students have access to in-person study resources?
We asked a number of education professionals to weigh in on the matter and provide their opinions on whether it is still worthwhile to use an online tutor as both in-person classes & online learning sessions possess their own benefits and cons.
Advantages of online instruction
Shelby Doyle, an education specialist at National Education Reform Week, states that “online tutoring gives high-quality academic help that is not restricted by a student’s geographical or access to transportation” “It opens the door for parents to look into and get specialized homework help, regardless of zip code.”
According to Tom Hamilton of TutorCruncher, another benefit is that online teachers frequently provide round-the-clock availability, allowing you to contact them whenever it is most convenient for you in your regional time zone. For overseas students who might not always be around during office hours, this is useful.
He continues, “Online tutoring also enables pupils to research how they learn best.” Students are given the freedom to select the learning environment that is ideal for them while they work online, which makes them feel more in control and motivated to complete their assignments.
Undoubtedly, the technology itself is one of the main benefits of online tuition. According to Stubber, the use of technologies in online learning also makes classes considerably more engaging than those that only include a workbook and pen. The use of online images, diagrams, and animations into lectures “makes sessions more entertaining for both tutor & tutee and aids in the processes of memorization,” according to the study.
Challenges with online tutoring
Technology undoubtedly facilitates learning, but it may also provide challenges. Elizabeth Clarey, an online educator for the past three years, claims that the field is still in its infancy. She thinks that the interpersonal aspects of internet tutoring are gone. According to her, there are few possibilities for pupils to build relationships with their peers. “Students and tutors might be cut off from one another.” Miscommunication & feelings of loneliness may result from this.
Such encounters also reduce chances for spontaneous conversations and disagreements in the class, which are crucial learning opportunities, she continues.
Accessibility issues & (a lack of) technology comfort can potentially be barriers to successful learning. Some children won’t feel as confident asking questions online, or they may find it difficult to use the technology needed for online tutoring, according to Doyle.
In addition, school-aged adolescents gain a variety of social abilities through face-to-face interactions while studying, such as understanding body language and recognizing non-verbal signs, according to Stubber. This is a disadvantage of online tutoring which is “not generally discussed.” “Learning these skills online may be more difficult.”
Online training is not all negative. Digital tutoring, like the majority of other learning methods, has advantages and disadvantages. It is up to the person & their family to determine if it is the best option for them.
How to maximize the benefits of online tutoring
If you’ve already engaged in online tutoring, there are various methods to get the most from it in addition to the benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few of them, as suggested by certain academics.
Clarey advises instructors to overcome some of the difficulties in developing relationships by establishing engaging online activities, such as discussion boards, that may also promote peer-to-peer learning and developing dynamic curriculum that can promote face-to-face learning.
However, students also have a significant part to play. Students frequently need to put forth a concerted effort to interact with the material provided to them in order to have the best experience, according to Clarey. “It can be simple for students to slip under the radar if they do not even participate in activities as well as discussions or actually engage with the tutor,” she says.
Doyle advises conducting study and planning ahead in order to make the most of online tutoring. “Be prepared for your first session, decide what topic or issue you require the most help with, and jot down questions in advance,” the advice reads.
