The Ultimate Guide to Online Tutoring: Benefits, Strategies, and Choosing the Right Platform

Whether you’re an aspiring online tutor seeking to make a positive impact or a student looking to leverage the benefits of virtual learning, this ultimate guide to online tutoring is tailored to provide you with the essential knowledge and strategies to succeed in the realm of online tutoring.

Unlike traditional tutoring, online tutoring connects students with skilled tutors worldwide through virtual platforms, breaking free from time and location constraints. 

However, virtual learning raises significant questions for students and tutors aiming to achieve effective online education. 

Some prominent questions can be:

• What are the benefits of online tutoring? 
• How to find the right tutoring platform? 
• What are the strategies for an effective online tutoring experience? 
• What are the tips to learn online?
• What are the different types of online tutoring? 
• Can students of all age groups study online? 
• What platforms and tools can we refer to? 

Our ultimate guide to online tutoring will explore the rise of online tutoring and address all the questions stated above. Let’s begin!

Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!

The rise of online tutoring

The COVID-19 pandemic-induced shutdowns led many students and families to experience online education and remote learning for the first time. Even after the pandemic, however, online tutoring demand grew rapidly. Here are a few examples:

• According to The Digital Learning Pulse survey, 73% of US students want to continue online courses after the pandemic.

• In 2022, the Online Tutoring Services industry witnessed a 17.7% growth in market size.
• According to BestColleges’ 2023 Online Education Trends Report, 47% of administrators intended to boost their expenditure on online learning programs.

• A survey revealed that 52% of graduate students in the U.S. believed that their online college-level education offered a superior learning experience compared to their classroom education (Duffin, 2019).

So, what led to such an explosive growth of virtual learning? The astonishing growth can be attributed to the unique advantages of online tutoring discussed below.

Benefits of online tutoring 

According to Statista’s research, a good 41% of graduate students in the US prefer online education over traditional college-level classroom experiences.

Online education has a lot of benefits. It’s a customized learning platform that makes education enjoyable and productive for students. Additionally, students from anywhere in the world can easily access vital resources. 

With that, let’s go through 13 outstanding benefits of online tutoring for students worldwide:

Easily accessible from anywhere and anytime

Over 60% of students at Bay Atlantic University choose online learning for its flexible nature.

Online tutoring is easily accessible for students as they can attend lessons anytime and anywhere. Learning won’t be a hindrance, even outside the school. 

Moreover, online tutoring enables a flexible schedule, so you can find tutors ready to teach according to your time zone.

Learning at a personal pace

Online classes can be scheduled according to your needs. It can benefit students and tutors who prefer developing the right concepts rather than speeding through the syllabus. 

Students can spend as much time as they want on grasping the chapters. If students believe they need more than an hour to learn a lesson, they can book the online session for the required time. 

Similarly, if students think they need only one hour to complete a lesson, they can book only a one-hour session and use the excess time for other important topics. 

Affordable classes

Online tutoring can be much more affordable than in-person tutoring as it eliminates the costs associated with travel. 

Besides, you can find online tutoring platforms that offer very reasonable fee structures (starting for as low as $20 per hour). Whereas in-person tutoring typically costs $60 to $100 per hour.

Access to the best tutors worldwide

Students can efficiently study under the guidance of professional tutors from renowned universities across the world. They no longer need to choose unprofessional teachers just because they’re locally available. 

Studying under the best online tutor can yield the best education and assistance. 

For instance, a student from Canada who wants to do an English course from a teacher teaching at Oxford University can receive the online lesson under them (without actually moving to Oxford). 

Innovative learning with technology

Technology and modern innovations have made online tutoring more convenient and practical. Students must utilize these tools and technologies fully. 

For example, with the help of note-taking tools, you can create quick and useful notes. On the other hand, you can access websites that provide videos of lectures from well-known teachers worldwide. 

With MS Excel, you can create charts and tables. Similarly, drawing tools can help you create interesting digital designs.

No rush hour commutes

It can be challenging for some students to travel and attend distantly located classes. Some university students attend classes right before or after finishing their part-time jobs. 

While for some students, it can be challenging to attend two classes directly after another. For example, they could be unable to participate in the math session at 4 p.m., followed by the science lesson at 6 p.m. The students might not make it in time and miss the first few minutes. 

In online tutoring, students can quickly switch from one class to another as they don’t need to travel. Brandon Hall Studies have revealed that online learning saves 40-60% of the time for learning a subject.

Fewer absences

There can be many reasons why students might be absent from physical classes, such as being preoccupied with household duties or due to strikes and rallies.

Therefore, students can conveniently continue their education online, at home. They don’t have to pause their learning even if there’s a lockdown due to a pandemic or political protests.

Safety against infections

The Coronavirus pandemic is now known to all of us. Many students suffered physically and academically due to its high contagiousness. The lockdown prevented students from attending classes, almost pausing their education.

As many children returned to full-time in-person learning in 2022, parents felt anxious about their kids contracting various illnesses. (Study Finds reports) 37% of parents were concerned about stomach flu and strep throat, 32% worried about head lice, and 19% stressed about the potential spread of pink eye among students as they return to full-time, in-person learning.

Other infectious diseases like conjunctivitis, flu, and common cold also exist. Online tutoring is a blessing at these times because it lowers the probability of catching these infections. The students can attend their classes from home and avoid contact with infected people.

Personalized learning 

In online tutoring, teachers can give proper attention to the students when teaching in small groups or one-on-one lessons. This blog from the New York Times wonderfully illustrates how online tutoring can help special needs students with its personalized approach. 

On the other hand, in-person tutors may not agree to give one-on-one lessons at your home at a reasonable cost. Teaching in large groups gives them adequate revenue. 

In contrast, reliable online tutoring platforms like Wiingy offer quality one-to-one virtual sessions at an affordable price. 

This is also because online tutoring platforms don’t entirely depend on a specific group of students for their revenue. Students across the world utilize online tutoring, bringing decent income for them.

Accessible for all age groups

Learning must be accessible to all age groups. For instance, learning a foreign language is not solely limited to teenagers. An adult man can learn new things too. 

Anyone can choose online tuition from the comfort of their home and at their own speed, regardless of age or class level. 

Helpful for students with learning disabilities

US News wrote that Rosemary Garabedian, the head of the Student Access Office at Adelphi, mentioned that students facing challenges in moving might find online classes more manageable.

Physically impaired students might feel uncomfortable while studying with other students in the classroom. They’re often subjected to bullies and disrespect by classmates. Disabled students may not even like how other students notice or pity them.

In contrast, with the help of online tutoring, they can join classes from home, focus on learning, and become educated just like other students. They will connect via video conferencing under their tutor’s constant supervision. As a result, unnecessary comments from classmates won’t distract them.

Replays and recorded lessons

Students may occasionally skip an essential lecture due to personal reasons. The student, therefore, lags, whereas other students stay ahead of them.

To address this issue, teachers now record their lectures and upload them to an online portal so students can access them anytime. They can access it as often as they want, not just once.

Wide range of subjects

Local in-person tutors may not provide tutoring for a wide range of subjects such as a foreign language, architecture, music, java programming, robotics, etc. 

Meanwhile, you can find online tutors with expertise and experience in rare or advanced subjects. Students can learn the desired subjects from the tutors online.

Visit online vs in-person tutoring to understand the detailed pros and cons of online and in-person tutoring.

Now that you know the benefits of online tutoring, let’s help you find the right platform for yourself.

Choosing the right online tutoring platform

As a student, choosing the correct online tutoring platform to utilize its advantages is essential. So before enrolling in remote learning, you must consider some factors discussed below:

User reviews

Always check and verify user reviews or customer responses on online tutoring platforms. 

For example, this is a review from A Wiingy user. 

Very good experience with Wiingy

Very good experience with Wiingy, kathy has improved a lot on math’s and we are happy with the teacher -Nillam

Nilam joins the classes on time and engages kathy in learning maths with good techniques. Thank you

Date of review: June 29, 2023

The users distinctly stated what they liked most during the session. These responses can help you judge the platform and make a satisfactory decision. 

Platform credibility

To choose an online tutoring platform, consider factors such as 

• Subject coverage: Know what subjects the platform covers and whether the list includes your desired topic.

• Tutor qualifications: Ensure the platform tutors are qualified to teach their subjects. Having a tutor with at least one year of online tutoring experience is good.

• Tutoring methods: While some online tutoring platforms teach in group sessions, others can take one-on-one sessions. Online tutoring platforms also provide homework help and guides. Check the learning options and choose the best for yourself.

• Pricing: Of course, you must check if the fee structure of the online tutoring platform fits your budget. It is better to choose a sustainable program than selecting an expensive one and dropping in between due to a lack of financial resources.

Follow this article to find the comprehensive list of online tutoring platforms and their essential details.

Tips for a successful online tutoring experience

As you know, online learning allows you to acquire knowledge anywhere and anytime. To fully benefit from it, students should follow certain basic regulations.

To help you with this, we have distilled some crucial tips and tricks suggested by students who have benefitted from our online tutoring. The suggestions for a successful online tutoring experience can be broadly divided into

Around the session

Practicing these steps before or after the tutoring session will help you stay healthy and focused on your goal.

• Set realistic goals: Break down your long-term academic goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Celebrate small achievements to stay motivated. 

• Decide your study space: Set up a specific study area without distractions. Make it a regular part of your routine. This helps signal your brain that it’s time to focus and learn.

• Establish a schedule: Create a daily or weekly study schedule to manage your time effectively. Consistency is key to staying on track and avoiding procrastination.

• Break study material into smaller chunks: Divide your study materials into smaller, manageable portions. This prevents overwhelming feelings and allows you to make steady progress. 

• Take regular breaks: Incorporate short breaks during self-study sessions to rest your mind. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain focus.

• Stay organized: Use digital tools like calendars, to-do lists, or study apps to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and important dates. Being organized helps prevent last-minute stress during tests.

• Take care of yourself: Ensure you get enough rest, eat healthy, and exercise. A healthy mind and body are essential for effective learning.

During the online session

Given the flexible schedule of online tutoring, these are some rules you must swear by:

• Avoid multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can reduce your overall productivity and comprehension. Turn off notifications on your app and let your friends and family know your study hours to minimize interruptions.

• Practice active participation: Actively engage in discussions, debate forums, and virtual classrooms. Participating in online discussions and asking questions helps reinforce your understanding and creates a sense of community with your peers.

• Utilize multiple learning resources: Combine various learning materials such as videos, articles, interactive quizzes, and online courses to reinforce your understanding of the subject.

• Seek help when needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers, professors, or classmates if you have questions or need assistance.

• Revise regularly: Revise your notes and materials to reinforce your learning and improve retention after every session.

• Practice time management: Prioritize your tasks and allocate time based on the complexity and importance of each assignment or study topic.

Effective strategies for online tutoring

Despite its advantages, online tutoring poses several challenges for the tutor. Two significant obstacles are arranging the correct setup and delivering the lessons effectively. 

The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges has published a study to find best practices for online tutors.

To create the ultimate guide to online tutoring, we interviewed the expert online tutors of our team and asked them to suggest effective strategies for online tutoring. Right below is an explicit list of tutoring tips for online tutors.

Create a conducive learning environment

A dull and boring setup for online sessions can easily divert students. On the other hand, an adequately lit, decent setup can help you drive interest in your tutoring session. In online tutoring, the tutor is the soul of the session.

Here is a student review of their tutoring experience: 

Session with Yash on leetcode coding

Yash’s session was very informative and helped me a lot. He explained all the issues I was facing with utmost patience and in a very detailed way. He gave me hands-on experience with the code and walked me through multiple problems and solutions.

Date of review: June 07, 2023

This is a recorded customer response from Wiingy’s site, and that’s a difference that a good tutor can make. The student specifically remembers the tutor’s name and the quality of the session.

If you’ve freshly begun tutoring online, you must know how to prepare the correct online tutoring setup for maximum student engagement. Follow these tips.

• Check your Wi-Fi connection: Arrange a stable WiFi connection for interruption-free sessions with your students. You may also invest in a powerline adapter or a network extender.

• Update your device: Software update removes technical bugs from your device. Hence, you must update your device regularly whether or not tutoring online.

• Use the right browser: While most of us depend on Google Chrome for our browsing, it is important to note which browser is compatible with your task and device.

• Charge your devices: If you’re serious about your online tutoring session, keep your device fully charged. Solving the “low battery” pop-up during a tutoring session will ruin your flow.

• Use the right tools: If you want to explain specific topics of physics or biology to your students via a diagram, get a drawing tablet and pen for yourself.

• Have appropriate lighting: Sit in a warm, bright light. Avoid dull rooms, or else your students will feel monotonous on screen.

For a detailed understanding of challenges that a tutor can face in online tutoring, follow our guide to challenges in online tutoring and how to overcome them.

Make your session productive

The City University of New York has published a study stating effective tips to make online tutoring more engaging.

If you want to set the right tune to your session, create a fine impression, and yield valuable output from your session, our tutors ask you to remember these steps:

• Know what you will teach: Do your homework. Before teaching a topic to the student, revise it yourself. Know what topics need deeper clarification, what needs to be stressed, what are important points for the test, and so on. This way, you can confidently teach your students and ensure a productive output.

• Be punctual: Be on screen on time. You’re already saving commuting time in online tutoring. Any other occasional reason that causes a delay in your online classes should be informed beforehand. Drop a mail or text message to your students.

• Connect with the students: Connect with your students to establish trust and mutual respect. If you have some time, it’s best to start with an intro session where you break the ice. 

Introduce yourself, and show that you do your work passionately. Then, you may ask each of the students to introduce themselves.

• Resonate with students: Do not dive straight into the lesson. Start slow, and make it fun for them. Refer to a resonating interest, such as music, movies, dramas, books, and so on; it will help you connect with them at a friendly level.

• Have plenty of interactions: Refrain from speeding through the syllabus with a monologue. Focus on making it an interactive session. Even if you have just an hour, ask your students questions to raise curiosity. 

For example, if you’re about to explain quantum physics, ask them, “What do you know about quantum physics?” Listen to their answer attentively and then start your explanation. Remember, be as good a listener as a good tutor you are.

• Motivate the students: Keep students consistently reminded of why they opted for online tutoring. This can be a never-failing strategy to motivate the students throughout the session. To avoid distractions, remind them why they started with online learning. This builds a sense of responsibility among students. 

• Set realistic goals: Divide your main target into smaller, digestible goals. Have a macro goal and some micro goals that ultimately lead to the macro goal.

• Deliver a personalized lesson: Different students need different tutoring styles. Customize your lesson plans according to the needs of the student. 

For example, if a student needs to improve in maths, you must pay special attention to their problem-solving skills.

• Involve all the students: Do not restrict your interactions to a few selective students. Involve all of them in discussions. Some students take time to open up, do not force them, but ask questions to all of them.

• Tell stories: Cite real-life examples to explain a certain topic. Your students will relate more to the story than your verbal explanation. This will help them retain the lesson for longer.

• Ask for feedback: After you’ve completed your class, ask your students about their responses. Did they like the session? Did they face an issue? Address their problems accordingly.

Read this blog to learn how to engage and motivate students in online tutoring.

Besides, Lisa Trans’s video can help you with further effective strategies for tutoring online.

Subject-specific online tutoring

Every subject requires a unique tutoring approach. A specific topic may need more explanation than others. Subject-specific tutoring refers to tutoring only one subject. It can be math, physics, chemistry, biology, languages, etc.

If you find the explanation of Newtonian mechanisms by your school tutor baffling, you may search for “online physics tutors.” Three must-haves for subject-specific tutoring are:

• Tutor’s expertise in the subject: Online tutors with specialized certifications and degrees in a particular subject can explain those subjects with relevant examples in detail. 

For example, a tutor with a master’s in computer science applications can provide comprehensive guidance in computer sessions.

• Tools and resources: A tutor tutoring maths must have relevant resources and tools to demonstrate the subject to you. Geometry tools and calculators are basic requirements in teaching math. Similarly, a drawing tutor must have the necessary drawing and painting tools to teach the students. 

• Teaching style: Different subjects require different teaching methods. For example, while teaching languages requires a lot of verbal conversation, memorization, and theoretical references. Wiingy’s calculus tutors teach by explaining formula derivations and practicing ample problems together.

Test preparation online tutoring

Students also utilize online tutoring for test preparations. Candidates who are planning to appear for the SAT, ACT, GRE, or AP test may choose to devote a few hours weekly to the test prep with online tutoring. Online test preparation can help students in three ways: 

• Students can enroll in online tutoring that offers test-prep sessions simultaneously with their school studies or a part-time job. 

Meanwhile, they can access various resources and test practices with expert online tutors to understand the question pattern and format of the real exam. 

• Preparing for different types of tests requires different strategies. For example, if students want to sit for both AP Chemistry and AP calculus, they must prepare for both tests separately. 

While the in-person cost of such preparations can be expensive, you can easily find online AP Chemistry and AP Calculus tutors who can help you prepare for tests at a much more reasonable price.

• Thirdly, online tutors usually teach in small groups or deliver one-on-one sessions for test prep, which means they can tailor the study plans according to your pace, preferences, and goals.

If you’re a student looking forward to taking these tests, ensure these 3 test preparation strategies:

• Start on time: Online tutoring can save traveling time and offer flexibility to learn from anywhere, anytime. 

Hence, there shouldn’t be many reasons to postpone your test preparation planning. The earlier you start, the more time you and your tutor have for a complete prep.

• Practice test papers: Make sure to attempt all the online mock tests that your tutor assigns. Review previous year’s test papers and know what to expect from the question paper. 

Your online tutor can suggest the most important types of questions or topics that need to be practiced more than other less important ones. Follow the lessons accordingly.

• Practice exam time management: Tests like SAT, GRE, ACT, and so on the clock for around three hours. You get a combination of Multiple-choice questions and questions that require critical analysis of the concept. 

For example, you get 50 to 55 MCQs and three essay-type questions in AP tests. You can keep one hour for the MCQs and the rest for critical analysis questions and revision.

Follow our guide to test-taking strategy for AP tests.

Online tutoring for different age groups

Now, let us discuss how the procedures of online tutoring shift according to different age groups. Online tutoring offers a flexible platform to educate people. 

However, it’s equally important to adapt the teaching methods according to the preferences and needs of the students.

For example, the study published by the Department of Education shares the effectiveness and challenges of online tutoring for secondary school. Tutors must adopt effective strategies to educate students of this age group.

Let’s find the right techniques and methods for tutoring different age groups:

Teaching elementary school

• Aim: This stage emphasizes building foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and basic behavioral concepts.

• Approach: Elementary school tutoring should be interactive, hands-on, and playful. Tutors often use games, storytelling, and visual aids to make learning enjoyable. They use positive support and encouragement to boost confidence.

• Individualized attention: Elementary school students may have different learning paces, so tutors should tailor their approach to each child’s needs. They use simple language and concrete examples to explain complex concepts.

• Parent involvement: Tutoring at this level often involves communication with parents to keep them informed about the child’s progress and suggest activities for reinforcement at home.

Follow the blog to learn how online tutoring supports homeschooling.

Teaching middle school

• Aim: At this stage, students are building on their foundational knowledge and transitioning to more abstract and complex concepts across various subjects.

• Approach: Middle school tutoring should be more structured, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Tutors engage students with interactive discussions, real-life applications, and group activities.

• Study skills: Tutors help students develop effective study habits, time management, and note-taking skills to handle increased academic responsibilities.

• Subject specialization: As subjects become more specialized, tutors may focus on specific areas like mathematics, science, language, arts, etc., depending on the student’s needs and interests.

Teaching high school

• Aim: High school tutoring centers on preparing students for exams, standardized tests, and more advanced coursework. College and career enthusiasm are essential considerations. Subjects like calculus and statistics are introduced in high school and need concept clarity. Wiingy’s statistics and calculus tutors help you achieve it at a very nominal price.

• Approach: Tutors adopt a more independent learning approach, guiding students to conduct research, analyze information critically, and synthesize knowledge.

• Test preparation: Tutors often assist students with test-taking strategies, practice exams, and time management during exam preparation.

• College Applications: High school tutors may offer guidance in the college application process, including essay writing, recommendation letters, and interview preparation.

Teaching adults

• Focus: Adult tutoring can encompass many goals, including career advancement, language learning, or personal enrichment.

• Approach: Adult learners often prefer self-directed learning with real-life applications. Tutors provide resources and guide learners as they set their goals and pace.

• Prior knowledge and experience: Adult learners come with prior knowledge and experiences, which tutors can leverage to make references and enhance learning.

• Flexible scheduling: Adult learners may have busy schedules, so tutoring sessions should be flexible and accommodating.

• Respectful and supportive atmosphere: Adult learners thrive in an environment where their experiences and perspectives are valued and their goals are respected.

Our guide reveals various strategies and benefits of online tutoring for college and university tests.

Online tutoring resources and tools

Sometimes, online tutoring can become tiresome. However, with clever use of some creative tools, you can drive active participation and engagement in the class. Let’s explore some of these tools and resources with our guide to online tutoring.

Digital resources: 

1. Curiosity.com 
2. Documentary Addict: 5000+ online documentaries
3. Ted.com: Influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech, and creativity
4. Ted Ed: Lessons Series Clubs
5. Curiosity Stream: Original Documentaries
6. Documentary Storm: Best documentary films
7. WatchKnowLearn: Educational video links
8. Crash Course: An educational YouTube channel by the Green brothers, Hank Green and John Green
9. The RSA: World-changing ideas
10. Brain Pump: Learn something new 

Virtual whiteboards: 

1. Whiteboard. chat
2. LiveBoard
3. Explain Everything
4. Educreations
5. Jamboard
6. Drawp for School
7. Scribble Together Whiteboard
8. Stormboard
9. Mural-Visual Collaboration
10. Explee

Screen sharing tools:

1. Splashtop
2. Mikogo
3. Screenleap
4. Windows Remote Desktop Connection
5. TeamViewer

Conclusion 

Online tutoring offers a tremendous advantage for students seeking flexible and affordable educational resources. Online tutoring can benefit students of different age groups and academic goals equally. Students can enroll in online tutoring platforms to study subjects or prepare for tests. However, it becomes important to choose the right online tutoring platform.

For an online tutor, it’s important to have the right online tutoring set up and deliver their lessons effectively. Alternatively, setting realistic goals, attending online classes regularly, practicing test papers, and time management can help students excel academically. 

Looking for private tutors? Book a Free Trial Lesson and match with top tutors for concepts, homework help and grade improvement on Wiingy today!

Other Useful Reads

Online Tutoring vs In-Person Tutoring: Pros & Cons

How Online Tutoring Supports Homeschooling: Benefits & Strategies

Online Tutoring for College and University Students

Overcoming Challenges in Online Tutoring and How to Solve Them

Tips for Engaging and Motivating Students in Online Tutoring Sessions

How Online Tutoring Can Help Students with Different Styles of Learning

How to Find a Tutor for Your Child

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)