Online tuition is where tuition is conducted through the use of a video call app between a teacher and the student. The pandemic has forced the majority of us to seek education online.

 Pros:

1. Online tuitions are more affordable compared to in-person sessions.

A review of most tuition centres vs online PSLE tuitions now shows that the online mode is cheaper on average. This is likely due to the lack of the need for travel. The initial setup cost (a computer system, webcam, microphone, digital pen etc.) is negligible compared to the savings (travel expenses etc.).

2. Convenient timings and extra lessons can be arranged more easily - no hassle of travel!

Many parents like to be present for their child's tuition time, or arrange for someone else to be in the house for safety. With online tutoring, there is no need for a parent to juggle their schedules as much.

3. Video infographics:

Infographics play a crucial role in e-learning. Professionally created infographics are used to teach students e-learning content, in subjects ranging from the simple to the highly complex. Infographics share information in a visual medium; the appealing design and visual presentation of subject matter help infographics make e-learning effective.

4. Game-Based Learning:

Every tutor has a different approach to teaching online. Some tutors will design the lesson plans based on knowledge of their students’ learning styles and preferences. The more an online tutor knows about the students’ strengths, the more the tutor can help the students during the session. Especially when it comes to math, some tutors use charts, pictures, and other fun math tools to make math seem more like an enjoyable and challenging game, rather than a dreaded task.

5. Tests and Quizzes for Effective Learning

Conducting short tests and quizzes can be helpful for online tutors to assess how well their students are grasping the concepts of math. If an online tutor measures the progress of students by conducting regularly scheduled tests or quizzes, the result can be a great increase in their confidence levels.

6. Asynchronous Tutoring

Students can now opt for Asynchronous Tutoring wherein an Expert Tutor, who’d otherwise be unavailable for hundreds of students wanting to learn from a master on the subject, can post pre-recorded classes or tutorials online. Students can come back with specific queries later.

Cons:

1. Need a Good Working Computer

In order to conduct online tuition in Singapore smoothly, students would have to have a good working computer. A microphone and webcam are also required. While most laptops have these inbuilt, not everyone has access to these. There's also the question of giving the responsibility of maintaining expensive devices to young children.

2. Connectivity/Technical issues

Live sessions are conducted over the internet. Online tuition is vulnerable to weak connection, interference, latency or other technical issues. Valuable time will be wasted trying to diagnose and solve the issue. You will also still be liable to pay for the full duration of the lesson. Worse still, if the problem is on the tutor’s side and the tutor is unable to diagnose and fix immediately.

3. Tough to control student behaviour

Online tutoring cannot help a student who is unwilling to learn. Parents may need to monitor tutoring sessions to make sure that a student is paying attention or trying to get better with each passing day.

Parents need to make an informed decision. We hope this list helps you to do just that.