Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Tutoring

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major educational disruption in Jersey, Guernsey and around the globe, with school closures estimated to have affected over 70% of the world's student population. Online tutoring has stepped in to maintain continuity of learning, and is nothing new – around 90% of corporations now opt for online training over in-person, compared to only 4% in 1995. Let's weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of online tutoring.

Advantages of Online Tutoring

Reduced Costs of Learning: Online tutoring cuts the cost of facilities, hiring, travel and printed materials. One hour of 1-1 online tutoring is estimated to be equivalent to about half a day's learning in the school classroom.

Way More Convenient: No time is wasted driving to school or a tutoring centre, particularly valuable during wet, windy winter months in Jersey and Guernsey.

You Set Your Own Schedule: Online tutoring isn't as restrictively timetabled as traditional learning, benefiting busy families.

No Time Wasted on Travel: Saves time and money for both tutor and family, and enables back-to-back sessions from home.

Prompt Results and Feedback: Unlike a typical 25-student classroom or tutoring centres with 6:1 ratios, 1-1 online tutoring gives instant, individualised feedback.

Pre-Recorded Sessions: Tutors can record sessions once for students to rewatch as needed, while live platforms such as Zoom still allow real-time questions.

Higher Retention Rate: A Research Institute of America study found online learning can increase retention by up to 60% through combining text, pictures and video.

Regularly Updated Content: Online courses are far easier to keep current than physical textbooks.

You Pick Your Teacher: Families in Jersey or Guernsey aren't limited to local tutors – a child's tutor could be based anywhere in the British Isles.

Boosts Discipline: Without a teacher physically present to prompt focus, students develop self-discipline and learn to honour weekly commitments.

Disadvantages of Online Tutoring

Limited Social Interaction: Interaction looks different – discussion happens via online forums and whiteboards rather than in person, though 1-1 tutoring still offers more direct interaction than a 6:1 tutoring centre ratio, and some providers like Tutoring Heroes arrange an initial home visit.

Too Many Distractions: Without a teacher's physical presence, children can be distracted by phones, notifications or family members – best mitigated by a quiet, distraction-free space.

Technology-Related Issues: A reliable internet connection and working camera, microphone and speakers are prerequisites for live online courses.

You're Fully Responsible: Greater responsibility falls on the student, requiring organisation, time management and self-discipline – skills that will benefit them at college, university and work.

Conclusion

Online tutoring offers convenience, flexibility, reduced costs, a wider range of learning materials, fast feedback and higher retention rates. With self-discipline and a good sense of responsibility, a student can benefit tremendously from online learning.