Online Tutoring: Programs and Tools that Make it Effective

Wondering how in the world online tutoring can be effective when it lacks the face-to-face dynamic that makes working with a tutor so successful? Others who have been skeptical of its ability to truly help students are finding that sophisticated tools make the online experience as beneficial as the traditional experience.

There are a number of programs and tools available that were developed to help create an experience similar to the face-to-face dynamic. To help you get a grip on what makes online tutoring truly effective, let’s explore some programs and tools found on successful online tutoring sites.

SAM

SAM is a management system designed to keep effective records and is excellent for tutoring sessions. It’s a great way to make sure parents are staying in the educational loop in the event that children are getting their tutoring while the parents are at work. With this system, all sessions are recorded, which allows the parent to review what occurred; and it also gives the student and opportunity to review the session for memory refreshers. To check progress, parents simply log in and enter a password. By doing so, the parent can view assignments and check progress reports as noted by the tutor.

Skype

Skype is a software application that lets users make telephone calls over the Internet. This is a highly effective way to allow tutors and students communicate, which is why many online tutoring services utilize it. The calls made are free of charge and can be sent to both landlines and cell phones. Also, features such as instant messaging, file transfer, and video conferring create a perfect environment for students and tutors to communicate in a variety of ways. Skype is definitely one of the resources available that makes online tutoring effective.

Digital Whiteboards

Numerous tutoring sites utilize what are known as digital whiteboards, which create a unique way to communicate with online tutors in real time. While it is possible to speak over microphone, view each other over video conferencing, and type via instant messaging, utilizing a digital whiteboard offers a virtual pen and pad that helps the student and tutor connect even more.

For instance, if a student is working on math homework, it’s very challenging to explain verbally how a problem should be worked out. However, drawing on the digital whiteboard with a digital pencil, the numbers show up simultaneously on both the tutor’s and student’s computer screens. This form of technology simulates an in-person environment that allows for interaction very similar to that of face-to-face tutoring.

S.E.T.S. (Spoken Error Tracking System)

S.E.T.S. is an advanced speech recognition software that allows for the student and tutor to communicate via the computer in a way that works like real-life conversations. The software monitors pronunciation and intonation, helping with the development of verbal skills. It is great for students who are studying in language and speech classes.

Online tutoring wouldn’t be as successful as it is without the help of programs that make it efficient. So if you have doubts about how effective online tutoring can be, doubt no more. As you see, much of the online experience is comparable, if not better than, the face-to-face experience.