Tutoring has often been used to help children who are struggling with certain subjects. Extra-curricular classes can boost grades, and help students through their exams.
However, the value of online tutoring only became evident in the last few years. As schools suffered lockdowns, and students were unable to attend classes, online teaching came into its own.
Today, the global online tutoring sector is worth $9.6 billion or £7,786,204,800 at today’s exchange rate. Despite social restrictions fading away after the pandemic, the online tutoring market continues to grow.
And both students and tutors are finding many rewards.
Why is online tutoring so important?
Online classes were necessary during the pandemic so students could continue learning. However, online tutoring revealed other benefits during this period.
Online tutors can connect with students regardless of geography. This means that students can find the best tutor suited to their needs. A local tutor might not always be the most suitable choice.
One of the major benefits of online tutoring is that tutors can connect with students no matter where they are. No matter what a student’s needs are, there will be a tutor available online.
What are the rewards for online tutors?
When rewards are spoken about, it is often finances that are mentioned. But, online tutoring brings different types of rewards as well as payment.
Schedule flexibility
Holidays are often mentioned when people talk about the benefits of teaching. Many people assume teachers have lengthy holidays when schools close with no responsibilities.
However, online tutoring doesn’t follow any school schedule. Online tutors can choose the hours they work, and students can book lessons that suit their schedule too.
Online tutoring is often extra-curricular, so weekends, evenings, and school holidays come into play. Being able to schedule the hours that suit will benefit tutors and students.
Classes can be scheduled one after another too. This means that tutors can manage bookings effectively, with no time lost between classes.
Freedom to travel (or not)
Online tutoring allows freedom of movement. Teaching English as a second language is a popular choice when becoming a digital nomad. But, online tutoring opens up the possibility of many subjects. All of which can be taught from home, or while travelling.
Tutoring can be a side-gig
Online tutors need to be dedicated to their students. However, this doesn’t mean teaching has to be a full-time gig. Side hustles are highly popular now with the cost of living crisis, and teaching is a viable option.
One UK study showed that around a quarter of respondents have a second job. And, while online tutoring can be rewarding in other ways, it is still nice to get paid.
According to Indeed, many online tutoring companies in the UK are paying over £30 per hour with some offering £40 plus.
Customised teaching approach
Online teaching lets tutors adjust their lessons to each student. One-to-one tutoring allows for a customised approach to teaching. This is hard to achieve in large classrooms.
No geographical boundaries
Online tutoring opens up the whole world. Tutors are not limited by geography, work visas, or travel. Anyone qualified can teach students as far away as China or India.
All the major platforms use software for online tutoring to connect teachers to students. Educational apps let tutors advertise their experience and qualifications, and students anywhere in the world can then book lessons.
Online tutoring may improve in-class teaching
Teaching online will offer different experiences from that which tutors get in a classroom. But, these new experiences can be transferred to in-person lessons.
Online tutoring can involve some creativity, and lesson planning. These skills may be brought into and used in the traditional classroom to help students learn.
Online tutoring is inclusive
Private tutoring is costly. With fewer overheads, online tutoring may be more affordable to parents than a local tutor. This means more children benefiting from extra tutoring.
Learning gives students a confidence boost
Every classroom has pupils who find it hard to speak up. Online tutoring offers a more relaxed approach where students learn from home. When a student is in a comfortable environment, they feel more confident about asking questions and joining in discussions.
Online tutoring can involve groups as well as one-to-one teaching. But, tutors can create a space where students are willing and happy to join in. This style of teaching will boost confidence, and help students to progress.
Summary
Tutors who work online face different challenges in the classroom. But, online tutoring brings many gains too.
Online tutors get to work with students from different cultures. An online tutor will also get to make personal connections with students that allow a more customised approach to lessons.
And because the internet has no borders, online tutors are free to teach anywhere they wish.