This shift towards online tutoring has not only transformed the way students get academic support but has also created new opportunities for educators to connect with students across the globe…. However, Online tutoring was not a positive experience for all, some parents are now reluctant to continue with the face-to-screen tutoring and going back to the traditional in-person academic support for their children… is it the best move or not…It all depends!

Let’s pause and differentiate online teaching from online tutoring 

Before delving into the reasons why some parents are again hesitant about online education, let’s take a step back and briefly differentiate between two forms of online learning: online teaching and online tutoring ( our topic in this article) .

These  two educational teaching settings are similar in that they both involve the use of digital technology to facilitate learning. However, there are some key differences between the two that are worth noting.

Online teaching typically refers to a formal educational program delivered entirely or partially over the internet. This could include courses delivered through an online learning management system (LMS), virtual classrooms, or pre-recorded video lessons. Online teaching may involve a larger group of students and typically follows a structured curriculum.

On the other hand, online tutoring is a one-on-one or small group teaching model where a tutor provides personalized instruction to help students improve their academic performance. Unlike online teaching, online tutoring is not typically part of a formal curriculum and is often used to supplement classroom instruction or address specific areas of difficulty for individual students.

Does it change anything ! 

Well, parents who had a negative experience with online teaching for their children may have similar reservations about online tutoring. 

Some parents shared that the main challenges of online tutoring include :

Unfamiliarity with online teaching tools : The lack of experience in using online tools among tutors or parents can create frustration and a poor learning experience for students. 

Increased Screen Time: With online teaching, students are spending more time than ever before in front of screens. This can lead to eye strain, headaches, and other physical discomforts, as well as mental health concerns such as increased stress and anxiety.

Lack of Interaction and Engagement: Online tutoring can sometimes feel impersonal and detached, as it is often limited to video conferencing sessions or pre-recorded videos. This can make it harder for students to stay engaged and actively participate in the learning process, which can be frustrating for parents.

Technical Issues: Online tutoring relies heavily on technology, which can be unreliable at times. Technical issues such as poor internet connectivity, malfunctioning equipment, or software glitches can disrupt the learning experience and cause frustration for both parents and students.

The potential for distractions. Students may find it difficult to stay focused during online sessions, especially if they are studying from home where there are numerous distractions such as siblings, pets, or household chores. This can also be the case in in-person  classes ( at home or a center)  if the family or tutor is not providing the right teaching environment, which in both cases can lead to a lack of engagement and lower levels of retention and understanding of the material being taught.

Lack of Social Interaction: Traditional classroom learning provides opportunities for students to interact and socialize with their peers, which can be an essential part of their development. Online teaching may lack this aspect, and students may feel isolated or lonely, which can affect their academic performance and mental health; but honestly this is not a big concern for online tutoring as generally the sessions are meant to be one on one or with very small groups. 

Despite these perceived challenges, online tutoring can be highly effective when implemented properly. Many online tutoring platforms offer interactive tools such as whiteboards, video conferencing, and chat functions that can facilitate effective communication between tutors and students. Online tutoring can also be more flexible and convenient for both students and tutors, as it eliminates the need for travel and can be done from anywhere with an internet connection.

What if we look at it from another perspective !

 A well-known fact is that every individual and child has a unique way of learning and acquiring knowledge. While traditional tutoring can have its benefits, such as fostering a sense of belonging ( to a classroom group for example ) and creating more engagement, it may not always be the most effective in achieving academic success. On the other hand, online tutoring, which involves face-to-screen interaction, has several advantages over traditional face-to-face tutoring that cannot be overlooked. Here are just a few: 

1. Increased accessibility: Online tutoring can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easier for students to receive tutoring even if they live in remote areas or have limited access to transportation. A study published in the Journal of Educational Technology & Society found that online tutoring can help bridge the educational gap for students who are geographically isolated or who have limited access to traditional tutoring resources.

2. Greater flexibility: Online tutoring allows for more flexible scheduling, which can be beneficial for students who have busy schedules due to extracurricular activities, work, or family responsibilities. A study published in the Journal of Interactive Learning Research found that online tutoring is often preferred by students because it allows them to schedule sessions at times that are most convenient for them.

3. Personalized instruction: Online tutoring can provide more personalized instruction than traditional in-person tutoring, as tutors can tailor their approach to each individual student’s learning needs and preferences. A study published in the Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks found that online tutoring can be especially effective for providing individualized instruction to students with learning disabilities.

4. Reduced cost: Online tutoring can be less expensive than traditional in-person tutoring, as there are no costs associated with travel or renting a physical space for tutoring sessions. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that online tutoring can be just as effective as in-person tutoring while costing less.

Tutor’s EXPERTISE…a game changer ! 

The  success of an online tutoring experience depends largely on the tutor’s ability to effectively engage and support the student in a virtual environment. A skilled tutor can provide personalized attention, tailored instruction, and timely feedback to help students achieve their academic goals. They have to coordinate the student’s learning process, ensuring that each session flows smoothly and that the student is engaged and on track.

Here are some key  skills , responsibilities and practices that can help an online tutor facilitate and set to success effective tutoring sessions:

Establishing rapport and building trust: An online tutor should strive to establish a positive and supportive relationship with the student, building trust and rapport over time. This can help the student feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help when needed.

Assessing the student’s needs: An online tutor should assess the student’s needs and learning style to tailor the tutoring sessions to the student’s specific needs. This can involve assessing the student’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their academic goals and challenges.

Planning and preparing effective lessons: An online tutor should plan and prepare effective lessons that address the student’s specific needs and learning goals. This can involve developing lesson plans, selecting appropriate materials, and identifying strategies for engaging the student in the learning process.

Providing constructive feedback: An online tutor should provide constructive feedback to help the student improve their understanding of the material and develop their skills. This can involve providing feedback on assignments, tests, and other assessments, as well as providing feedback on the student’s progress over time.

Encouraging active participation: An online tutor should encourage the student to actively participate in the learning process, asking questions and engaging in discussions. This can help the student develop a deeper understanding of the material and feel more invested in their own learning.

Ultimately, there is no best choice in regards to opt for face-to-screen tutoring or in-person educational support for our learners. The best option depends on each individual student,  their learning needs and actual circumstances. Some students may thrive in an online learning environment, while others may prefer the personal touch of in-person tutoring, some might not be available in person in a period of time and online set up turns out to be the best option. It’s important for parents to consider their child’s individual learning style and needs when deciding which type of tutoring to pursue, but It appears that face-to-screen tutoring or teaching is here to stay as it has become an essential component of the education system. The benefits it provides are highly valued by parents, tutors, and students alike and are not easily replaceable.