Advantages of Online Tutoring Over Face-to-Face Learning

Paul Morgan
Oct 16
4 min read

Updated: Oct 17

GERMS

Even though I started online tutoring way before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the awareness and importance of maintaining hygiene and minimizing the spread of germs have become common sense for everyone. The shift to online education has highlighted many benefits, not only in terms of convenience but also in health considerations.

Prior to my transition into the realm of online tutoring, I vividly recall how, as the dreaded winter months approached, I would often find myself facing a familiar scenario. At least one of my students would inevitably show up with cold or flu-like symptoms. It was almost predictable. With the close proximity of in-person tutoring sessions, the likelihood of illness spreading was high, and it was not uncommon for me to receive notifications from parents about cancellations due to sickness. This scenario not only disrupted the learning process but also raised concerns about the health and well-being of both students and educators alike.

With the advent of online tutoring, these worries have significantly diminished, allowing for a healthier and more focused learning environment.

RESOURCES!

In the world of online tutoring, we are not limited to just the textbooks I carry in my briefcase. The digital age has opened up a vast array of resources that can enhance the learning experience. I have access to numerous online educational platforms and databases that provide a wealth of information right at our fingertips.

Additionally, I maintain several online websites that I always have open during our sessions. These sites are rich with interactive exercises, instructional videos, and up-to-date educational materials that cater to various learning styles. Furthermore, I have direct access to the exam boards, which allows me to provide students with sample papers and past examination papers. This is invaluable for their preparation and understanding of what to expect in their A Level assessments.

Any questions or topics that students want to explore can be easily uploaded to our online whiteboard. This interactive platform allows us to work through problems together in real-time, making the learning process collaborative and engaging. In the rare event that I cannot access a particular resource I desire, there is always the reliable option of a good old Google search, which often leads to discovering new and useful materials.

LOCATION!

One of the most significant advantages of online tutoring is the flexibility it offers in terms of location. Regardless of where you are based, whether in the UK or anywhere else in the world, online tutoring can seamlessly take place. This has enabled me to connect with students from all corners of the globe.

Throughout my tutoring career, I have had the privilege of working with students online from various locations, including Ipswich, London, Oxford, and even as far afield as Beijing and Dubai. This global reach not only enriches the learning experience for my students but also allows for cultural exchange and diverse perspectives within our sessions.

HOLIDAYS!

If I am fortunate enough to be on holiday with my family, the beauty of online tutoring is that it can continue as long as I remember to bring my laptop, my spare writing tablet, and a set of earphones. This flexibility ensures that learning does not have to come to a halt, even during vacation time.

Moreover, if students happen to be on holiday themselves, they have the option to continue their A Level chemistry tuition. I have successfully tutored students while they enjoyed their holidays in beautiful locations, such as the stunning Pyrenees. This ability to maintain continuity in their education, regardless of their physical location, is a significant advantage of the online tutoring model.

REVISION!

Utilizing my favourite online whiteboard tool, "bitpaper," our lessons can be saved and accessed at any time, 24/7. This feature allows students to refer back to our sessions throughout the year, reinforcing their learning and helping them prepare for their exams effectively. The ability to revisit complex topics and review past discussions enhances retention and understanding, providing a solid foundation for their studies.

9 out of 10 STUDENTS PREFER IT!

Interestingly when I transitioned from face-to-face tutoring to online tutoring, I offered all my in-person students a complimentary online tutoring session. This was an opportunity for them to experience the new format and express their preferences. To my surprise, only one student, the youngest among them, opted to continue with face-to-face tutoring all the way up to the COVID pandemic. The rest of my students expressed a strong preference for online tutoring, appreciating the convenience and effectiveness of the format. This feedback solidified my decision to focus exclusively on online tutoring moving forward, as it clearly resonated with the majority of my students.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY!

In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions, it is heartening to know that both you and I are contributing positively to the planet. Greta Thunberg would indeed be proud of our efforts!

By choosing online tutoring, we are eliminating the need for gas-guzzling cars that would otherwise be used for traveling from house to house. This not only reduces our carbon footprint but also contributes to a decrease in traffic congestion and, consequently, fewer car accidents. I recall a time when I was in such a rush to reach one of my students’ homes that I unfortunately wrote off my car in an accident. Such incidents are now a thing of the past, thanks to the shift to online learning.

CONCLUSION

When weighing the benefits of online tutoring against traditional face-to-face methods, there really is no comparison. My students have consistently achieved even better results through online tutoring, thanks to the personalized approach and the wealth of resources available at our disposal.