“The traditional establishments still have their place, but these modalities can also work alongside each other for a progressive transition that works extremely well for the future of learning…”
Traditionally, tutoring centers are a place where learners and teachers meet to share knowledge, which empowers the mind. These days with the advent of cutting-edge technology of the internet and devices, many transitions have been made geared towards the virtual tutoring learning environments (VLE’s). Effectively, this approach has become a powerful tool whereby visual mediums are used as an influential way to promote knowledge among students, beyond physical spaces so that there are no limits to the “four walls”.
There is considerable research to support the notion that the visuals and digital interactions provided through virtual learning platforms also help the student retain thoughts and ideas better. Studies suggest, more than 85% of learning through online virtual tutoring assists students in piecing information together. It effectively, illuminates the learning experience, as it becomes something they “connect” to, for want of a better word.
What is Virtual Tutoring? Are There Truly Any Advantages?
This seems fairly, self-explanatory, however, virtual tutoring is typically a communication hub among participants which can be achieved in various ways like text chat, live video, live audio, and so on. Moreover, it’s the basis of how we operate at Tutor Partners, so in this article, we’ll be looking at some of the inherent advantages of virtual tutoring, worth considering:
#1: Delivers a Specifically Individualized Form of Learning
Remote learning allows students to approach learning at their own pace and time, despite set schedules. What we mean by this is, the virtual learning platforms, allow for more tailored instruction from anywhere, regardless of the geological region.
As the entire globe is currently grappling with the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual tutoring allows knowledge to be shared interactively and safely.
In other words, the Virtual Tutoring experience serves to guide students towards achieving their learning objectives irrespective of circumstances.
#2: Learning is Flexible
In conjunction with the previous point, there is flexibility. VLE’s do not depend strictly on a bell going; hence, learning and studying can fit into the other elements of life that confront us. The ability to adapt teaches us that challenges are conquerable; such flexibility is an invaluable tool to both the student and teacher community.
#3: Increases Learning Experiences Through Visualization
The visual components of virtual tutoring, “amps up” the learning experience for students. Besides the graphic nature of virtual learning platforms themselves, real-time virtual sessions present the opportunity for immediate feedback on assignments and exams in private “breakout rooms” or emails.
In addition, the visual applications of PowerPoint presentations, pictorial representations, interactive documents, and mind maps in virtual tutoring sessions imprint the subject matter, helping students’ retention and information recall.
#4: Expands Diversity, Awareness, and Inclusivity
Virtual learning programs are designed to be more of a collaborative effort whereby everyone contributes their perspectives enriching the experience, with teamwork.
Moreover, inclusivity is encouraged and supported not only in combating physical challenges but it is also found that more reserved students will often feel virtual classes a safe space to participate in. The anxiety that arises through discussion or raising a hand within the physical tutoring center with other students watching becomes overridden.
#5: Increases Technological Skills
As we know, the world of technology is fast-paced. Thus, for students learning via a digital platform helps maintain those essential skills required to engage with a virtual interface, such as taking online exams, virtual classes, e-mail communications, and delving into creativity with videos and other interactive presentations.
#6: An Effective Approach
Aside from being an interactive and engaging learning tool, virtual tutoring is proven to be an effective form of teaching. Virtual tutoring and its learning formats have become a convenient and adaptable experience. E-learning as it is often referred to is also known to be successful in encouraging invaluable skills such as mental flexibility, increasing working memory and retention.
A Disadvantage? A Challenge? Or Just The Future?
Though there are certainly fewer disadvantages to advantages, there are a few elements, which may be considered shortcomings to this learning modality.
Most of the potential challenges fit within the world of technical problems. Essentially this is an infrastructural challenge, alongside affordable access.
It is also noted that some students may also struggle with the lack of F2F (face-to-face) interactions. However generally, we feel, all the disadvantages can be overcome with practical solutions so that virtual tutoring opens doors to a wider, collaborative experience.
“The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.”
~ Arthur C. Clarke
As mentioned earlier, we’re living in an ever-changing technological, globally connected world; during any unexpected crisis, we must equip our students to function, embracing the changes to continue expanding the mind.
At Tutor Partners’ the Virtual Learning Environment is an integral part of what we do. It is not just the need of the hour today. Our approach allows for the flexibility to concrete learning and creates those connections beyond curricular. This is the way of the future to increase both knowledge and awareness for a brighter and better tomorrow.
Just be, live freely.