Online tutoring isn't a new concept. The idea of teaching online has been around for years, but as we're forced into homeschooling the demand for online tutors has increased. There are, however, still concerns from parents and students about how it works, whether it's worth the money and whether it is as successful as tutoring in person. So, we decided to answer all your questions and debunk any myths surrounding online tutoring. We've collaborated with vlogger and online tutor Holly Gabrielle, who has over 300,000 YouTube subscribers, to address your concerns.
Does the style of tutoring differ online and in person?
Not really, our tutors are flexible and have worked in both a traditional classroom setting as well as online.
They are still teaching the same content at the same pace online, however, they are required to be more creative and to use interactive tools.
On Zoom, which is the chosen method of communication for the online classes at Educo London, tutors can share their screen with the student if they want to explain a topic or share a diagram.
Additionally, there is a virtual whiteboard function, so the student can still interact with the tutor using their mouse or a track pad and pen.
For online group lessons, tutors can mute the students so there is no interruption or distractions. The tutor can see all of the students in small video tabs, so if someone raises their hand, the tutor can unmute them and answer their queries.
Can internet connection be an issue with online tutoring?
We understand that everyone's internet connection will vary. For this reason, we are very flexible with our class start and end times. We ensure all students get their 60-minute lesson, even if the internet connection drops during a class.
Our tutors are passionate about teaching, so they are very accommodating to everyone's personal circumstances.
At Educo London, we also run a short test session with the student before they sign up to classes. We check whether their audio and video settings are optimised for them to get the most out of the lesson.
I assume that a student would learn less during an online class than a face-to-face class. Is this true?
No, the quality of teaching doesn't differ between online and face-to-face classes. Most of our tutors teach both online and in the classroom, so they have the skills to adapt their teaching methods accordingly.
At Educo London all of our tutors are also experienced in their chosen subjects, through higher education and through employment in the relevant field. Tutors provide homework and regular assessments online as they would in the classroom.
An added benefit with online classes is that the tutor can record the class and send it to the students so they can refer to it afterwards.
I am sceptical of the price of online tutoring and whether it is going to be a good investment?
As we mentioned above, the focus is the quality of the teaching. Whether the tutor is teaching in person or online, our priority is to uphold a high standard of teaching. We price our lessons based on the experience of the tutors.
Whether you are signed up with Educo London or an alternative tutor or tutoring company, make sure your tutor has the relevant educational experience for the chosen subject.
We offer pay-as-you-go payments for the first few weeks when you sign up, so there’s no initial pressure to make a long-term commitment.
Does it ever feel awkward during online lessons?
It's fair to say that anything out of the ordinary is strange at first. But, if you think about it, we use video calls more than we realise. Whether it's over Whatsapp, Face-time, Skype or chatting to friends on Zoom, we're familiar with using these methods to speak to friends and family.
Whilst an online tutoring lesson takes a more structured and professional approach, it can still be a relaxed and productive way of learning.
Remember, our tutors have been through KS3, GCSE's and A-Level exams before, so they're here to help you by sharing their tips, experiences and knowledge! They don't bite!
Can the student keep their identity private with online classes?
Yes, it is possible to join the class just using the audio. We would advise you to use your video/webcam though, as the tutor benefits from reading your expressions and body language to assess whether you are following and understanding what is being taught. This allows the tutor to adapt their lesson plan and tackle troublesome areas of certain topics.
Our philosophy at Educo London is to promote healthy debate, interaction and feedback between students and tutor as this creates the best learning environment. Therefore, we do recommend sharing your video/webcam with your tutor.
Is the interest in tutoring dropping now that many school exams have been cancelled?
Yes and no. Some students who were due to sit GCSE and A-Level exams this summer have cancelled lessons for the subjects they are dropping, whilst others are now focusing on preparing for the next academic year.
We have reinforced the message to our students that regular tutoring can provide an opportunity to get questions answered, engage in critical discussion and most of all, hold yourself accountable to sticking to your study timetable.
If you are concerned about whether your school is providing you with enough material to keep you busy, you can also ask your tutor for more work.
The main goal is to ensure that your knowledge is up to scratch for when school reopens. You do not want to feel stressed once you are back.
Is student progress tracked in any way?
At Educo London our tutors keep records of topics covered and homework that has been set. They provide regular assessments to ensure students are happy with the material covered. Parents are also sent regular reports on the students' progress.
Do you cater for different exam boards?
Yes, we cover all of the main exam boards in the UK. We group our classes by ability and also by exam board to provide tailored teaching to our students. Before you sign up, we find out your current grades, what exam board you are following and we set targets to help to achieve your desired grade in your chosen subject.
How can I become an online tutor without paying to set up my own website?
Educo London provides tutors with the opportunity to take on regular students and we offer the flexibility to discuss preferred teaching times and dates. We provide you with your own email and Zoom accounts so it's a fairly straightforward process to get you started.
We deal with the admin, which includes arranging class times, taking payments and sending reports. We just want you to focus on preparing for your lessons, tracking the students' progress and setting and marking homework.
WATCH HOLLY'S Q+A BELOW:
IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS EXTRA ACADEMIC SUPPORT PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR RANGE OF ONLINE LESSONS
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