In several recent articles, I have discussed how online courses expand learning opportunities. Online tutoring can also be a great way to supplement the instruction that home educators provide to their students. The online format saves time and money--and allows students to participate from their home.
Conduct an Internet search using the phrase “online tutoring,” and you will find a wide array of companies that provide services ranging from basic homework help to live tutoring sessions on specific academic topics and skills. The sheer volume of options can seem daunting at first, so you may want to keep some of the following ideas in mind as you look for the services that best meet your individual needs.
When selecting an online tutoring service, you should ask many of the same questions you would ask if you were enrolling in an online course Such questions include but are not limited to the following:
What academic subjects and topics are covered?
Is your tutor an actual person or are you merely receiving electronic feedback?
When are the online tutors available?
What are the tutor’s credentials?
What is the company’s reputation?
How is pricing determined (i.e., by session? by hour?)
What software or external devices are required to communicate with the tutor?
When selecting an online tutoring service, you can often save money if you are clear about precisely what you need. For example,if your child needs assistance in one subject only—such as mathematics or social studies--see if you can pay for that specific subject rather than for the full array of curriculum areas.
Tutoring companies will often advertise that their tutors are available “24/7.” While this may seem like a great feature, my experience is that the cost typically outweighs the benefit. Around-the-clock support may be crucial for emergency-room physicians and air-traffic controllers, but will your student really need to access an algebra tutor at 3.00 a.m.? If not, you may be able to save money by forgoing 24-hour access.
You may also be able to save money if you check with your local home school organization to see if you can receive group rates for online tutoring.
If you have questions about online tutoring or about which online tutoring service may be best for your student, feel free to email me at: bruce.friend@sas.com
Bruce Friend is the Director of SAS® Curriculum Pathways®, an award-winning education resource that provides online lessons, engaging tools and activities at no cost to U.S. educators. Bruce has spent the past decade working in the field of online learning. He is a national pioneer in helping to establish the country’s first statewide online program and has been the chief administrator of two state virtual schools. In 2003 he was honored with the “Most Outstanding Achievement in Distance Education” award by the US Distance Learning Association. Prior to joining SAS, Bruce was the Vice President of the North American Council for Online Learning; a non-profit organization that provides support to students, parents, and online learning programs
