“Humans are the reproductive organs of technology.” - Kevin Kelly
There is not much that can stand up to technology when it comes to effective ways to effectively share knowledge and information. Nowhere is this demonstrated more powerfully than in the area of online tutoring especially since streamed lessons and apps like Zoom have made remote learning so much more accessible.
In this article we will look at the pros and cons of online learning, but also the pros and cons of Zoom classes which has become the most popular app for online tutoring.
Using Zoom for Online Tutoring
Downloading Zoom for online tutoring has almost become expected the area of education.
Of course there are many pros and cons of Zoom classes. Firstly, students can access tutors from anywhere in the world while saving money on the traditionally high cost of private tutoring because tutors need not travel.
Why not start by downloading Zoom for free and then, keep reading.
Online tutoring reached booming proportions in 2020 when downloading Zoom, which was actually first developed in 2011, also became a prerequisite to facilitate distance learning.
Since then, most students, tutors or people working in business have created a free account or are paying for a premium plan.
Not only can students and tutors see and hear each other, but the seamless app also provides whiteboards. However, like most things, Zoom online learning pros and cons, need to be considered too.
The Benefits of Teaching Online Tutorials Via Zoom
In taking a closer look at the pros and cons of Zoom classes, there are a number of advantages. Mainly, both students and teachers love it.
But why?
Quick and Simple
Zoom is not the first programme to offer video calls. Skype, for instance, was used extensively for personal and business use. So, in looking at the pros and cons of online learning, we should ask, why did they move to Zoom?
Compared to Skype, Zoom is easier because you don’t have to make sure the contacts are in your address book or get stuck searching for them because you don’t know how to spell their name.
After downloading Zoom and setting up an account, you will only need to schedule a meeting and send a link to everyone who is invited.
Zoom also loads quickly and freezes less. Staying connected is definitely an issue when it comes to the pros and cons of online learning.
Scheduling Lessons
An article about Zoom online learning pros and cons would not be complete without mentioning the excellent scheduling features of the app. As the host, you simply need to schedule your meeting and send the invitations to your participants. Zoom will send them a reminder and there is even a way to schedule your Zoom calls in your Google calendar if you want to.
Screen Sharing
Not unlike Skype, Zoom allows you to share your screen with other meeting participants which is definitely a benefit when it comes to the pros and cons of online learning.
Recording Lessons with Zoom
A major benefit of Zoom’s paid-for plans is that you can record lessons to review later. This is very useful for students who want to re-watch and take notes.
Group Lessons on Zoom
What about Zoom online learning pros and cons for group classes?
One obvious benefit to group classes is that they are more affordable because the tutoring cost is shared between students.
Group classes are possible with Zoom and even with a free account, you could have up to 100 participants in a call. This is where, in considering the pros and cons of Zoom classes, you are at a slight disadvantage, because calls are limited to 40 minutes.
Using an Interactive Whiteboard
As a tutor, you are probably wondering how you can draw your concepts and ideas to explain them better.
After downloading Zoom, you will see that besides screen sharing, the interactive whiteboard is an excellent solution for sharing ideas. This feature is part of the Zoom Room features which will cost around R780 a month.
Offering Classes from Home
At the top of the list when it comes to the pros and cons of online learning, must be the fact that both students and tutors can participate from the convenience of their own homes.
In many ways, people are more focused and productive at home.
The Disadvantages of Online Teaching with Zoom
Believe it or not, when it comes to the pros and cons of Zoom classes, there are a few disadvantages.
Online Tutoring Cannot Replace Face-to-Face Tutorials
Nothing can replace face-to-face tuition. In person experiences will always outdo technology. Even with the interactive whiteboard and screen sharing, some things are just better explained in real life.
In looking at zoom online pros and cons, also be aware that virtual distance can often reduce concentration. It makes sense that a student will pay more attention when the teacher is actually in the room.
Potential I.T. Hiccups
I.T. hiccups are a big one when it comes to the pros and cons of online learning. Not everyone is comfortable with technology and some people even battle at the first step: downloading Zoom! The best way to approach this disadvantage is to always try and do trial run before using new online teaching or meeting software.
Another disadvantage is an increase in screen time which most parents are trying to reduce.
So is online learning a good or bad idea?
That’s a very personal choice.
Zoom Security
Unfortunately, when Zoom first became exceptionally popular, unwanted intruders would regularly join other people’s meetings and do what is known as Zoombomb. As a result, the security around Zoom left much to be desired.
Zoom has since implemented integrated password-protection which means that users need a password to attend meetings. This option is up to the host to decide.
Zoom Plans
To make the most out of Zoom, you’ll need to purchase one of the premium plans or Zoom Rooms. Every option is slightly different and virtual whiteboards are only included in Zoom Rooms. The free account though is enough to begin tutoring online
If you want to get the most out of Zoom, you’ll need to pay for one of the premium plans or for Zoom Rooms. Each plan is different and virtual whiteboards, for example, are only available with Zoom Rooms. However, the free account is enough to get started with online tutorials.
Reasons to Opt for Zoom?
So in weighing up the pros and cons, it’s easy to see that Zoom is easier and quicker to use than Skype, but also has more features than Messenger or WhatsApp.
If you give online tutorials to individuals every so often, then the free version will suffice. You can host as many one-on-one sessions as you like as long as they don’t go past 40 minutes.
Tutorials that last longer than this will need to be run by a paid-for Zoom plan or Zoom Rooms.
If you’re still perplexed by Zoom, you could ask one of Superprof’s experienced private tutors to demonstrate all the Zoom tips and tricks you will need for online tutoring.
For students, there are many qualified tutors who use Zoom to teach almost every subject you can think of.
There are three options regarding private tuition: in-person or face-to-face, group, or online classes. Each of these is characterised by unique pros and cons which need to be considered along with your budget, personal goals and even, personality.
Private, in-person tutoring is arguably the most effective option because lessons are custom-made to the unique needs of the student. In most cases, the tutor will travel to the student’s home which is convenient, but also more expensive.
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Zoom and online teaching have helped businesses, students and teachers from all over the world. It’s also unlocked more private tuition prospects and made it more available and affordable for everyone. Group tutorials have become an excellent option for the budget-conscious student.
Remember to select a tutor who has been endorsed or recommended by a trustworthy organisation. Doing this will save you disappointment and wasted time.
Finding a tutor through random internet searching is possible, alternatively, you could head to Superprof where you will have the peace of mind of knowing that tutor credentials are verified for you.
Finally, a great benefit of using Superprof is that you can benefit from a free starter lesson. Doing this will help you to know whether you and your tutor are a good personality fit or not.
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