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The Online Tutor

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Summary: 

Learning from an expert online has advantages.

Body: 

 

Today there are so many advantages to using technology within Education.  Students can study abroad without leaving their hometown or for that matter their home.  Though studying online may not include all of the same cultural experiences or personal interactions as actually being in a foreign location it does allow for students to learn from experts far away, whether domestically or internationally.    

Recently I've encountered my own personal experience with online education.  With my own busy schedule and my not so convenient location within the city parameters of Shanghai I've had trouble trying to meet in person with Mandarin tutors.  However, I finally found a tutor who will meet with me a couple of times a week via Skype. 

This got me wondering how many students use online tutors and for what subjects.  I began my own little survey of students and parents and it turns out that a number of students actually use online tutors.  ESOL students use them to communicate in English conversations.  Other students will meet with an online tutor so they can get math or reading help with constant guidance.  Today online tutors can model in real time with various interactive devices and apps and provide both verbal and visual feedback.

Flexible hours and the convenience of not having to travel were the primary reasons parents and students indicated that they selected online tutors.  Students and parents also mentioned that costs are a little less for online tutors.  A few of the tutors I spoke with said their online rates are less because they don’t have to factor in the cost and time of travel.

The tutors don’t seem to mind providing instruction via the Internet.  It’s equally convenient for them too.  The catch for them is collecting the money.  Most have PayPal accounts for people to submit payments through and others will accept checks.

While you may want to physically send your child to spend a semester abroad in the future, for now there is no reason your scholar can’t learn from highly qualified individuals via the Internet.  If the online tutor is qualified and appropriate for your son or daughter the conveniences might make the most sense. 


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