The Benefits of Online Tutoring

           There are many different environments in which students can be taught. At Gavilan College, the majority of our tutoring is done in face-to-face interactions. Even though I believe this is the easiest and simplest way for a student to comprehend new information, online tutoring can be beneficial as well. For starters, online tutoring is easily accessible. Many community college students don’t have the opportunities to stay longer at school once they are out of class. Many CC students are busy with outside jobs, family demands, or have conflicting schedules with tutor hours. Online classes are an easy way for students to get the help they need, at a time that is convenient for them.

            Many students like in-person tutoring sessions because they are personable, and it allows a tutor and tutee to become comfortable with one another. I was skeptical at first about online tutoring, because you do not get this face-to-face interaction. But after reading about OPAL (Online Peer-Assisted Learning), I am more open to this way of teaching. “Tutoring interactions on Opal use problems as both contexts for discussion and enforcers of tutor competency-that is, each interaction is based on a single problem, and students must demonstrate competency by answering the problem correctly on a computer before they become eligible to teach it.” This is a great idea because it not only assists students who need help, but don’t have the resources to get to school during tutoring hours, and simply don’t have enough time. This also establishes that the online tutor will be competent enough to teach the tutee. It’s essential to feel as if your tutor is educated and qualified enough to tutor one of their peers. Overall, online tutoring is a great asset when peer tutoring is not available. It is easy to do from home, and is a new innovative way to teach.

Evans, Michael J, and Jeffrey S Moore. "Peer Tutoring With The Aid Of The Internet." British Journal Of Educational Technology 44.1 (2013): 144-155. Professional Development Collection. Web. 14 Mar. 2016.