Busting the Top 4 Myths About Online Tutoring
When I started tutoring in 2016, I signed up to tutor for an online company. I’d always taught in the classroom and wasn’t sure how online tutoring would work. How do I show my students maps or charts? Can I still build a relationship with them? How do they send me stuff?
Luckily, we live in the future. 😉 I mean, seriously. Have you Facetimed your mom recently? Or texted a picture to someone? Bought dinner on your phone and had it magically appear at your door within an hour? In online tutoring, you use all the technology to meet with your students, present information, and look at their work.
Nonetheless, many parents are hesitant to try online tutoring. I’ve run into the same myths about online tutoring over and over again. And I’m here to say that they are just not true. Let me show you the joy of online tutoring!
Busting the Top 4 Myths About Online Tutoring
It’s impersonal
Actually, I find online tutoring to be more personal than in-person tutoring. When I meet with a student in the library or their home, there are a lot of other things to take in. Often parents and siblings are within hearing range, the dog wanders in, and family life inserts itself into the room.
When you meet online, the only thing I see is the kid’s face and maybe part of the room they are in. And that’s all they ever see of me. You focus more on the other person’s expressions and tone of voice. And there is lots of eye contact. I believe that leads to stronger relationships, not weaker ones.
Distractions Galore!
Most people think that kids will get distracted during online tutoring by other things they can access on their computers or phones. Guess what? That happens in person, as well.
Actually, I’ve found there to be fewer distractions online that in person. As I mentioned earlier, the only thing each of us sees is the other person’s face. In every case, my student is alone in a room – no other people and no other sounds filter in. There’s not much there to distract you.
It’s also obvious when the other person is looking at something else, not the person on the screen. I’ve never had a student watch something else on their screen or even spend time on their phone while we were working.
My in-person students get distracted by their phones, the dog, the TV playing in the next room, the other people in the library. You get the idea.
Student’s aren’t held accountable
I hold my online and in-person students accountable in the exact same way. We make a plan at the end of each session and the next week I ask them what they accomplished and how it went. If students don’t progress, I talk to mom and dad.
[click_to_tweet tweet=”Students can share files, presentations, and even their screens with me.” quote=”Students can share files, presentations, and even their screens with me.”]
Technology allows kids to share files, presentations, and even their screens with me. And yes, even math problems! I can still check grades, help with assignments, and look over completed homework when I’m 1,000 miles away.
Technology won’t work
Not going to lie, sometimes things have gotten weird. But I’ve never had to cancel a session because technology failed us. I always have Plans B and C ready to go just in case. And my teen and adult students are pretty tech-savvy, so we can figure out how to make it work. I have more cancellations from my in-person clients, usually related to weather or illness!
Hopefully, I’ve busted some of the most common myths about online tutoring. In my case, online tutoring has proven to be a blessing for me and for my students. Since no one has to leave their homes, it saves everyone time. Students taking AP and IB courses can get the help they couldn’t find in their own neighborhoods. I’ve worked with amazing kids and helped them become even stronger students.
If you think your child needs a tutor, don’t be afraid to check online as well as local tutors. As always, I recommend finding an independent tutor, not one with an online company. In my experience, independent tutors are often less expensive and have more teaching experience.
And if your child is struggling with study skills and organization or needs content help with Social Studies or English, I would love to help! Sign up for a free consultation here!
Have you tried online tutoring? Let me know about your experience in the comments below!
Related Posts: How to Find the Right Tutor for your Child, Myths about Tutoring to Ignore