Online tutoring – the latest trend in education! What are the positives of learning online? Why do so many families now have online tutors? Why is online tuition so good?

Most of us have access to a huge wealth of technology and software (many of us just in our phones alone!) and often technology such as this is used within traditional classroom teaching to support and benefit students, however, it hasn’t previously been as popular amongst families and tutors in a private capacity. The internet has been used as a tool for years to enable teachers within schools to plan lessons which were both interactive and engaging for students, all displayed on large whiteboards or screens. Now that online tuition has become common practise, families are reaping the benefits of this technology and students are seeing fantastic progress without needing tutors within their homes or having to travel out to tuition centres or visit private teachers. Online learning allows students to have all the regular classroom benefits as well as:

• Their own individual interactive whiteboard

• Areas for shared writing so that both the student and teacher can edit and improve text

• The ability to see animations and watch videos to deepen understanding

• Research new concepts or topics at the click of a button

• Play interactive quizzes and educational games

• Take part in polls during small group tuition sessions

• Have either public or private conversation with the tutor and class during group lessons

• Instantly adaptable lessons as resources are uploaded and can be changed and quickly altered as required

That’s just the beginning… and all from the comfort of their own home! Choosing from teachers across the country (and even the globe!) gives families the power to choose a tutor who is perfectly suited to their child’s style of learning, ability and personality. It opens up the pool of expertise which previously could have been limited by location and it gives students the opportunity to learn with a tutor who has the specific skillset needed in order to help them achieve accelerated progress and receive tailored support.

⇒ Individual user areas

Students can upload their own work, download resources and revisit previous lesson recordings to support revision and consolidate learning.

⇒ Opens up the pool of expertise

Students may find a teacher who suits them perfectly but who is currently living in Paris, New York or Japan! Online tuition breaks down location barriers and enables parents to choose from a much wider range of professionals.

⇒ Time and cost effective

No travel to and from lessons, no waiting around outside in the car whilst children attend their lesson – it’s incredibly convenient for busy parents.

⇒ Interaction between students and teachers

Students who suffer with anxiety or those who find new places overwhelming often find the online classroom a more comfortable environment as they study within their own home. They have the option to use all of the interactivity tools – such as the microphone and webcam – or neither if they would prefer to simply use the interactive whiteboard and the typed chat function.

⇒ Flexibility and accessibility

Students have access to study material in their private user area and can revisit previous lessons, learning in their own time and at their own speed. Independent activities and learning resources are available at any time and from any place with an internet connection. The online classroom is also very accessible as fonts, colours and sizes can be adapted at the click of a button alongside many other functions to support a multitude of learners. Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in particular find online learning incredibly beneficial.

Online tutoring is convenient for busy parents, is engaging and interactive for students and it enables teachers to plan tailored and adaptable lessons involving a mix of online tools and traditional activities. If any parent is considering online lessons for their children, I believe the benefits speak for themselves and would thoroughly recommend it.