This has always been a topic of discussion for many families, however it feels more real and applicable today. With all of the Coronavirus outbreaks, it seems we are being introduced to a new 'way of life'. Since being given the task of 'learning at home', online tutoring becomes very appealing to families. While most prefer in home, one-on-one (face to face) tutoring, the fact of the mater is that we are forced to choose the online method. So, what are the benefits of online tutoring? Is it really as successful as face to face tutoring? After using online tutoring for some time, will it become a more popular method of tutoring? I want to offer up my thoughts about these very important questions.
1-What are the benefits of online tutoring? Our oldest daughter is enrolled in an online private school so I have real life evidence of how the 'virtual school' works. I will tell you first hand, we absolutely LOVE it! I have not had one hesitation as to whether or not she is missing instruction, cannot connect/communicate to the teacher, etc. In fact, it is quite the opposite! I feel that she has all of the support and resources right at her fingertips. She is able to call, text, FaceTime (Zoom) if she has questions etc. Much like her online school, here are the benefits to online tutoring. First, the schedule cannot be beat. There is tremendous flexibility in being able to do tutoring whenever you want! There may be limited availability if needing in person tutoring, but with online tutoring, you can jump on the computer and have your questions answered right when you need them! You can have short sessions throughout the day, or longer sessions that allow for screen sharing, editing papers, etc! The second advantage to online tutoring is that you can be tutored anywhere at any time! Perhaps you need to travel for a tennis tournament, but still have work to do. You can access your tutor in your hotel room, in your car as you travel, really anywhere you need! The third advantage is huge. Over the years, I have had some rather outstanding tutors that have moved to another city, take on jobs that wouldn't allow for the time to commute to student's homes, etc. Online tutoring allows these tutors to still teach your child! It gives you the choice of the very 'best of the best'! It provides me with a larger group of individuals who can meet the EXACT need of your child in a moments notice. That is an extremely large advantage when it comes to choosing your tutor.
2-Is online tutoring really as beneficial as face to face tutoring? In my opinion, 100% YES! I have been saying this for quite some time. Kids in this generation are so technologically motivated. They live on their devices and are fluent in the world of technology. It may seem odd to us as parents, but for our children, they love the idea of FaceTime, Zoom, Text, Email, Screenshare etc. It is a lot more appealing to them to be using their technology to learn. Tutors are able to teach, reinforce, help organize, study, etc all from a computer/tablet!
3-Will this become a more popular method of tutoring? I think that it already has! Many are just a little reluctant to give it a try and take the risk. Once you have a few online tutoring sessions, you will see that the benefits far outweigh any hesitations you had. After all of this settles out in our country, and things begin to get back to 'normal', I truly believe that you will see more and more families take advantage of the online tutoring option.
Overall, online tutoring is an incredible option for your student! The schedule is flexible, they get to use their technology, and they can be anywhere for the tutoring sessions! There is no doubt that they can be fully supported and gain the same results as if the tutor were sitting beside them in their home!
If your child is struggling with doing their schoolwork in home and you need some additional support, we would love to help! Beam Tutoring has an amazing staff of tutors who are eager to work online with your family.
Stay safe and healthy!
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