Towards the end of the 20th century, and even at the beginning of this new millennium, online education was often met with skepticism. Academic heavyweights such as Michele Tolela-Myers, at one point expressed in the Washington Post (online publication): “If education were only as simple as reading, then libraries would have replaced schools long ago.”
However, with the onset of the COVID pandemic, traditional institutions were forced to no longer scoff at the notion of online learning but to embrace it. Companies like Superprof US have always championed the online education framework as a means to meet market demand and to provide unique and enriching experiences for both students and instructors.
In this article, we address the years-long criticism and tackle the shifting paradigm that now promotes online tutoring as a viable source for expanding inquisitive thought and improving student performance.
Harsh criticism in the past: growing concerns over online education
Online education had to face an uphill battle. Detractors, often drawn to the potential risks of technology on society (and in particular with younger generations), quickly dismissed this new form of learning as a detrimental alternative.
Additionally, concerns of technology expanded to question whether virtual interactions bore as much significance as physical one-on-one meetings.
The rise of online tutoring: adopting a framework that empowers learning
In order to address ongoing, and even mounting issues around learning (in particular, literacy) after the COVID pandemic, institutions, parents, and even companies began to take a different approach. Though there are studies that examine the effectiveness of smaller classes on different student outcomes, it’s impossible to assess its effectiveness across different populations, ages, etc.
However, there is an overwhelming consensus that online education (and in particular, one-on-one tutoring) can potentially help to:
- Establish a human connection in the modern ages
- Develop new forms of learning according to a student’s needs
- Provide flexibility in terms of scheduling around school hours and extracurricular activities
One-on-one online tutoring: the transformative power of teaching and learning
Currently, online education has addressed past criticism to address initial concerns while also reshaping the future of learning as we speak. Most notably, most facets of shadow education works to:
- Address learning deficits as a result of economic and societal disparities.
- Encourage individualized learning by means of adopting new teaching techniques for those with different learning patterns for comprehension.
- Promote skill development beyond the context of academia, which may include extracurricular activities such as the arts, music, etc.
- Push for digital preparedness so nobody stays behind in a technology-first society.
The role of tutors in the online learning ecosystem
Online tutors today can contribute positively in a student’s learning journey. In a sense, they play a multifaceted role, assuming that of a mentor, motivator, and guide. They serve as an extension beyond academic goals and a healthy promoter for a student’s personal development.
One-on-one online tutoring fosters stronger relationships between educators and students by prioritizing personalized attention. Tutors are able to track progress closely, identify areas for improvement, and offer targeted encouragement. This level of care and adaptability is often missing in traditional classroom environments, where time and resources are stretched thin.
Finally, online tutors help build confidence. For students who struggle in school or hesitate to participate in group settings, the safe and private space of a virtual session can potentially encourage openness, risk-taking, and resilience. This emotional support—delivered through digital means—proves that human connection isn’t limited to a physical presence.
Technological innovation in online tutoring
What sets today’s online tutoring apart from its earlier iterations is the use of technology designed to enhance learning experiences. Interactive whiteboards, screen sharing, collaborative documents, and video conferencing are all made to simulate (and often surpass) the benefits of in-person tutoring.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics are also starting to make waves in customizing education. From tracking student performance and detecting learning patterns, tutors can tactfully tailor lesson plans and adapt their teaching style in real time.
Gamification and multimedia tools are also redefining how subjects are taught. Interactive exercises, visual simulations, and real-time quizzes keep students engaged and reinforce learning in creative, memorable ways. And with 24/7 access to sessions and recorded lessons now in use more than ever before, students can revisit material at their own pace to promote autonomy and further understanding of subject matters.
Online tutoring: Why it matters more than ever today
In a world where technology drives progress, online tutoring has become a vital part of modern education. It offers an adaptable, innovative way for students to achieve academic success while also nurturing curiosity and creativity.
What began as a solution for a selected few has now become an opportunity for all, proving that the limitations once associated with online learning were, in reality, opportunities waiting to blossom.
