Would you rather have an online tutor or in person?
Do you ever feel like you’re running a taxi service for your kids? From school and sports to after-school activities and tutoring sessions, the endless driving can leave you exhausted. But what if you could get all the academic support your child needs without ever leaving the house?
Online tutoring isn’t for everyone, but for me and my clients, the benefits of online tutoring have been a game-changer. My full-time teaching job wasn’t flexible enough to accommodate the demands of being in the “sandwich generation,” a role many of us find ourselves in today. I was constantly balancing the needs of my older kids and my aging parents, needing an hour here and there for a doctor’s appointment or a school performance. I didn’t need to take a full day off, but that was often my only option. Online tutoring has been the perfect solution for me, and I’ve found it’s a solution that works for busy families, too.
So, what are the benefits of online tutoring for everyone involved? I’ve seen them firsthand, and they’re more than just convenience.
For Busy Families: Less Stress, More Flexibility
- No More Commuting: Instead of driving your child to my house and waiting in the car for an hour, you can simply have them log in from the dining room. You can continue prepping dinner, and they get the support they need without the added travel time.
- Location Independence: A family trip doesn’t have to mean missed sessions. Your child can easily join a Zoom call from a hotel room. Homeschooling families can maintain their routine while one child works with me, and international families can choose a time slot that works across different time zones.
- A “Home Field” Advantage: Online tutoring keeps the learning experience in a place your child is comfortable and safe: their own home. It’s a great option for students with physical challenges or those who live in rural areas with limited local resources.
- No More Forgotten Books or Supplies: Everything is in one place. No more rushing back home because a textbook was left on the kitchen table! Plus, snacks and water are always on hand for both of us.
- Parental Oversight: Online sessions allow you to be as involved as you want to be. You can discreetly monitor the sessions, ensuring your child is engaged and getting the help they need.
For Tutors: Flexibility and an Expanded Reach
The benefits of online tutoring aren’t just for clients; they’re for tutors, too. Working online has made my job completely portable. I can work from home, a coffee shop, or even the hospital, which was a lifeline for me during a difficult time.
- Ultimate Flexibility: When a client has to cancel, I can use that 55-minute session for other tasks, like administrative work, a quick walk, or even a personal chore like laundry. This flexibility allows for a better work-life balance.
- Global Access and Less Overhead: The virtual world removes geographical barriers. I can connect with students across the globe, which not only expands my reach but also reduces overhead costs. My “office” is wherever I am.
- Rich, Interactive Resources: Shared screens, virtual whiteboards, and collaborative Google Docs allow for a dynamic session. We can review grades, research topics together, edit emails to teachers, and even play games to review vocabulary. Parents can text me a photo of a worksheet, and we can work through it in real-time.
The Human Connection: Still Central to Online Tutoring
Some parents and tutors worry that online tutoring lacks the personal connection of in-person sessions. I couldn’t disagree more. I’ve found that I can connect with students in a variety of ways online. At the start of each session, a “question of the day” or a brain puzzle gives us a quick, casual interchange. Being on camera allows me to read body language and emotional cues. We can laugh together, be serious, and problem-solve, just as we would in person.
When I first transitioned to exclusively online tutoring, I brought every successful in-person strategy with me, from games to grade reviews and project planning. The shift was seamless. The reality is, the world of tutoring has room for all of us. As a recent study from Consumer Affairs found, less than one in six American students receives any form of tutoring, and less than 1 in 50 receives high-quality tutoring. Tutors are a crucial part of a child’s educational team. Don’t wait until your child fails a test to seek one out; a tutor is a valuable school supply, and the right support at the right time can make all the difference.
In the end, while online tutoring might not be a fit for every single family or tutor, the benefits of online tutoring often come as a surprise. Beyond the obvious convenience, it provides a level of flexibility, accessibility, and dynamic engagement that can truly transform the learning experience. What once seemed like a temporary solution is now a powerful, lasting tool that empowers students and gives families a new kind of freedom.
Want to hire an online tutor? Message me about my openings or read more here.
Want to know more about being an online tutor? Check out my FREE workshop.
Table Talk: Which is more beneficial to your child or your family – in person or online help? What is a surprising benefit of working at home?