“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” - Albert Einstein
Since 2020 when the Covid-19 global pandemic dramatically changed how we go about business, education and even socialising, online lessons have become the norm. One of the things that students and parents are still trying to figure out is where to find effective online tutoring services with the best online tutors!
Where are the virtual tutors?
Online Tutoring Services and Academic Support Organisations
Existing academic support companies and online tutoring services have skyrocketed to meet the need for safe online lessons. With so many parents wanting a seamless education in a disrupted world the demand for virtual tutors has increased. Having said this, there have always been online tutoring sites that have good reputations and understand the concept of remote learning.
These virtual tutors have been offering academic support to learners and students who either struggle in certain subjects or are gifted and want better grades, for years. One of these is Superprof which has thousands of tutors on its website from multiple locations around the world, including South Africa.
Like Superprof, many online tutoring sites offer face-to-face tutoring, but increasingly, since the pandemic, now offer online lessons too.
Most traditional tutoring companies will take care of the logistics on your behalf. They’ll pick the tutor according to the subject need and availability. Make sure you use a reputable tutoring company, so you will have the peace of mind of knowing that they guarantee the tutor’s credentials and ability.
Every student should know that their online tutors have the skills, qualifications and experience that they say that they have!
Of course, this can make the services of virtual tutors who are associated with an organisation slightly more expensive because you are paying extra for the peace of mind.
The first major advantage to using online tutors tend to be more affordable than in-person teachers who also have to factor in the travel time and transport costs.
Choosing Private Online Tutors
Superprof, which offers tutors worldwide, is like a giant online classifieds and is an excellent way to find online tutoring services. .
It offers easy search functionality which allows you to check if there is someone near to you for in-person lessons too. In addition, profiles are easy to read and set up in an organised way that allows you to compare the services and experience of tutors before meeting them. Simply contact the tutor directly and check on their availability.
On Superprof there are over 500 subjects to choose from including maths, languages, science, homework support, music, personal coaching and much more. All you need to get going is a webcam and internet connection.
When choosing virtual tutors, it is always important to see what other students have to say about them. On Superprof you can check out their reviews on their profile pages to help you decide whether they are a good fit for you or not.
Another huge benefit to using Superprof’s online tutoring services is that most tutors will offer their first lesson at no charge. This is a valuable opportunity because it could help you to find out more about them while you also explain your goals to see whether they suit you or not.
Online tutoring sites, as opposed to traditional academic support organisations that usually assign a tutor to you, allow you to have far more control in choosing a tutor who is right for you.
In South Africa, there are tutors all over the country and once you have agreed to lessons with someone, you simply pay them directly.
Using Classifieds Instead of Online Tutoring Sites
Whether it is a notice board, newspaper or a site like Gumtree, it is still possible to find tutors through the tried and tested way of classifieds advertising. You simply get in touch with them.
Don’t forget social media sites like Facebook where many tutors promote their services too. In addition, you could do a random Google search to find a tutor’s website. In using any of these methods always make sure that you ask questions, do a credentials check, and ask for reviews or testimonials from other students.
Word of Mouth Recommendations
Word of mouth recommendations is still an excellent way to find just about anything, including online tutors. Whether it is to colleagues, friends or family mention that you are looking for a private tutor.
They might not know of someone, but they might know somebody who does. Another good way to go about asking is to post that you are looking for a tutor on Twitter or Facebook.
Finding the Right Online Tutors
Finding the right person to suit you, or your child can be time consuming, but because it is such an important decision there are a few things to be aware of, that could help you in your search.
First, think about what you really need and make a list of non-negotiable requirements as this will help you to shortlist through the plethora of academic support that is out there.
Do you need help with several subjects? Do you need lessons or homework help? Do you need help in areas of struggle or do you want advanced lessons for a gifted student? What grade or level should your tutorials be aimed at?
Be clear about your requirements.
Some tutors are only available in certain subjects or for students at a certain level so make sure that if you are looking for matric geography lessons, you don’t find a tutor who only specialises in primary school geography.
Before agreeing to lessons with your online tutor, it is also good advice to set certain goals like achieving certain grades or improvements by a certain percentage.
Finally, set a budget.
Fees for private tuition can vary from tutor to tutor. It all depends on their qualifications, experience and sometimes even location.
Once you have identified your criteria and budget you can begin searching for a tutor without wasting too much time on people who will probably not suit your goals.
Once you think you have found a potential tutor, get in touch with them. Here are a few questions you could ask at your first free lesson:
- How much tutoring experience do you have?
- Are you a full-time tutor?
- What teaching background or skills do you have?
- What is the format of your tutorials?
- When are you available?
Online tutoring has become extremely rewarding for both teachers and students. Not only is it convenient and affordable for students, but growing one’s knowledge is a plethora of subject matter has never been more accessible.
Tutors are happy because they can fit more lessons into their daily schedules without wasting valuable time or money on travel to the student’s home.
There’s no doubt, with the right digital resources, tutors and internet connectivity, online tutorials can be as effective as in-person lessons in most subjects.
On Superprof you could find dozens of qualified and experienced tutors to provide the academic support that you need. Besides the online service that most Superprof tutors offer, there is also the possibility of face-to-face or in-person lessons and even group tutorials. Each set-up has its own pros and cons:
- Face-to-face tutorials present a tailored service where the tutor often travels to the student's home. These are typically the most expensive tutoring versions but of course also the most effective.
- Group tutorials are the most affordable offering when it comes to private tutoring options. Here, students of a similar level and with the same goals will share the services of a tutor, thus making the service more budget-friendly.
Tutoring is a highly personalised service, therefore take your time in finding the right person to suit your requirements. Also, it need not break the bank to be extremely rewarding and to yield tangible results.
In summary, using one platform where tutor credentials are already verified and tutor profiles are easy to compare will make your search easier. Set a budget and decide whether you would like online lessons or face-to-face tutoring at home. Be clear about your goals and make use of any free starter lesson offered as this will help you to see whether your potential tutor is a good personality fit for you or not.
Finally, remember that matching the right tutor to the right student is critical to the success of private tuition, and it all starts with the way you search and then ultimately choose them.
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