Who is an online tutor?

An online tutor is someone who offers tutoring through online platforms. The most common options are video conferencing, voice calling, or chat support, and most platforms use some combination of the three. Depending on the employer, online tutors will use several online tools to communicate and share resources with their students. Most tutors use some form of computer-based training software, email, and spreadsheets, and are likely to use some type of database, user interface, and query software, such as Blackboard or Redrock.

An online tutor is responsible for teaching students about their academic needs through virtual learning processes. Online tutors help student learning progress through visual communication, sending online resources, and using educational materials, such as dashboards, documents, and visual presentations, depending on the course content. They also identify students' strengths and weaknesses and strategize or adjust learning techniques to address those difficulties. An online tutor must have excellent technological and communication skills, especially to resolve system problems that may delay the delivery of learning.

Online tutoring is a form of teaching, usually one-on-one, that takes place over the Internet in real time. Online tutoring must involve a “real person” despite what some technology platforms may claim. The online tutor can be someone the student already knows in real life or someone on the other side of the world that the student only knows online. Online tutors provide instruction to students on a variety of topics using a distance learning format.

Because specific training programs for online tutoring are rare, online tutors are often trained as in-person tutors or classroom instructors. Online tutors need a minimum of a high school diploma, although a college degree, experience, or teaching license may be required, depending on the job or employer. Several studies show that online tutoring can improve learning outcomes, but it is most effective when aspects of in-person tutoring are mimicked. The key to online tutoring is to identify what elements are often missing from online experiences and add them as features of the platform.

But mentoring programs, online or in person, are not without challenges. Online tutoring, of course, has potential downsides. The body of research on the effectiveness of mentoring has been based primarily (but not exclusively) on face-to-face experiences. Unlike in-person tutoring, online tutors help you anywhere you have an Internet connection.

Whether you want to learn something new or give an extra boost to a subject you're already learning, Gooroo's virtual classroom breaks the boundaries to bring knowledge directly to you. High school online tutoring is primarily aimed at students who need additional help in specific areas. However, these programs also offer courses and assignments designed to help students improve their standardized test-taking skills, especially with regard to the SAT and ACT. In addition to programs that assign students to a licensed educator, many online tutoring platforms offer peer-to-peer instruction, in which both the student and tutor are high school students.

Online tutoring and education options are often more reasonably priced than their in-person counterparts. Online tutors who attend college usually earn an elementary education degree or an English degree. Online tutoring environments go beyond those offered by synchronous and asynchronous discussion technologies, as VLEs often offer. According to Wikipedia, online tutoring refers to the process by which a tutor, knowledge provider, or expert imparts knowledge to a student or recipient of knowledge via the Internet.

While many college students supplement their education by enrolling in free massive open online courses (MOOCs), one-to-one online tutoring programs are also an option for college-level students. Employees in online tutor and teacher associate positions are trained in lesson plans, language arts, and mathematics. Tactical tutors are expected to show sensitivity to group interactions and progress, or lack thereof, and to respond within an online interaction at critical moments when the student requests their mastery of the topic and ability to explain it or when the student makes manifest errors. With online teaching comes the other benefits that the online world can bring, namely, a wealth of free resources and advice.

The best online tutoring site will depend on the requirements of the student needing tuition, especially subject and age. The best online tutoring sites provide pretty extensive in-office support if you need it, as well as worksheets and activities for your child to do between classes. This allows them to track each lesson in great detail to ensure that protective procedures are followed, meaning you can have peace of mind when looking for a personal tutor online. The difference with online tutoring is, of course, that you can, if you wish, be present throughout the lesson by placing your child in a central place in your home.

Lucy Tittle
Lucy Tittle

"Lucy Tittle is a seasoned marketing professional and online tutor, recognised for her expertise in driving marketing success across diverse industries. She holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Art History from the University of St. Andrews, where she actively contributed as an art and photography editor for The Tribe Magazine, among other notable roles. Lucy's educational journey also includes A-Levels from Caterham School. With a passion for both education and marketing, Lucy has built a remarkable career. She currently serves as a key member of the Senior Team at The Profs. Additionally, Lucy has held significant roles at The Progressive Technology Centre, Vardags, Dukes Education, and easyCar.com. Prior to that Lucy was a professional Tutor, working with Secondary School age students following 11+, GCSE, IB and A-level courses. "