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Guide to Online Tutorials.

Tuition over the Internet

By Catherine Chambers, online French tutor.

With the emergence of internet video chat software over the past couple of years a brand new education market has emerged - live online lessons. The service is much the same as having a personal tutor bring tailor-made lessons to your home, except, you interact by web cam over the internet.

Most modern laptops have a web cam and microphone built in and many video chat services are free so the only thing that you are paying for is the time of your tutor. The video chat services are exactly the same as that already used by many millions to keep in contact with friends and family.

Live online lessons are becoming increasingly popular because of their many advantages to both students and parents:

Advantages of online tutorials

As a student

Online lessons are of the highest quality. An online tutor is just as dedicated, competent and attentive as a tutor sitting beside you.
Online lessons are just so convenient! You can stay at home for your lesson, as you do not have to waste time going to the tutor's house. In addition, you don't have to pack a bag for the lesson, as all the files and books you need are at hand in your home. For online music lessons for example, this means no more lugging your instrument across town!
Online lessons are highly interactive: not only you can see and talk to your tutor as if he or she were in the same room, but you can write and send documents to each other during the lesson.
Online tutors will give you a summary of their qualifications and teaching experience enabling you to choose your tutor according to your needs and requirements.
As with any internet service, you will be able to compare online tutors' profiles and fees and choose accordingly.
Online lessons can be recorded and replayed when convenient to you. This feature gives you a fantastic way to consolidate what you have learnt during a lesson.
If your chosen subject is a bit obscure and there isn't a suitable local tutor, on the internet you have the world to chose from.

As a parent

You no longer have to drive to the tutor's house and either sit in your car or shop in a rush during the lesson!
Many online tutors will email you a weekly report on your child's progress. This will enable you to know exactly how your child's work is improving and which areas still need consolidating.
If the lesson is recorded, you will be able to check the quality of the tutoring for yourself.
Online lessons enable your child to get the support she or he needs regardless of your location (however, you may need to have broadband).
Secure online payment (usually through Paypal).
As no tutor is coming to you, you do not have to worry about tidying your place!

What you need

Skype or similar software installed (e.g. MSN messenger, Yahoo messenger)
A webcam and microphone (which may already be built into your laptop).
A broadband internet connection is recommended for best results and may be required by some tutors.

How it is done

Book a lesson for a time which is convenient for you.
Pay online for your lesson.
A few minutes before the lesson starts log in to your video chat software.
Start a video conference with your tutor.

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