“He was thrilled he didn’t have to go to class.”
I was recently talking to a university parent about her son’s experiences during COVID. The mother is an educational professional, committed to her child’s education; her son is a STEM major, getting ready to graduate this spring. Following some negative classroom experiences, he began to do far better last year, when learning moved online.
I suspect that he’s not alone.
Although online and “hybrid” education has created undeniable challenges, some students actually prefer online teachers and tutors. The reasons are many, but some of the most important include:
- Younger students don’t have to worry about being physically bullied on campus.
- Students with social anxiety can practice their communication skills without a physical audience.
- The more student-centered dynamic of an online classroom allows students to engage in the classroom as equals—encouraging students to do more of their own research, ask more questions, and take greater pride in their own work.
To be sure, online tutors can’t fulfil all of a student’s needs. Sooner or later, physical interactions must take place (even for the socially anxious), and young people need to gain experience with presenting in front of live audiences. Nevertheless, if “used well[,] online chat, discussion forums, replayable video lessons […] offer tremendous opportunities to make students more engaged and accountable,” according to Christine Greenhow, an associate professor of education at Michigan State University. For Taliyah Rice, a senior in a Chicago high school, “[In] online classes, you don’t have to worry about trying to fit in.”
That is partly why (I suspect) the family I was recently speaking with have done well during COVID. An online tutor can help free students to explore their academic interests, without the interference of outside pressures.
What has been your experience with online teachers or tutors? Message me or comment on our Facebook or LinkedIn posts to join the conversation!
Part One: The Challenge (and Opportunity) of COVID
