I’m a big fan of tutoring, and I recognize the value of connecting online with those who can help us learn. So, I’m happy that tutoring sites like AskOnline are growing at an exponential rate.
Unlike online courses, online tutoring is student-specific–a tutor and a student work together, often across disciplines, so that the student gains a greater understanding of the material being taught in class.
Some programs, like AskOnline and Smarthinking, focus on partnering with universities or other organizations to provide their students with tutors. Others, like e-Tutor, provide tutors for individuals and zero in on the homeschool crowd. Tutor.com offers individual help for mostly high school students needing homework assistance tonight or ongoing sessions for those with projects due. They charge about $30 for 50 minutes of one-on-one help. TutorVista offers a special intro price of $49.99 unlimited tutoring for the first month (it goes up to $99 a month after that). TutorialChannel is another option that focuses on math only.
If you’re cool with the whole world-is-flat phenomena (and you’d better get used to it) you can get a much better deal at India-based sites like CareerLauncher or GrowingStars. And there are lots of other India-based options–do your own Google search and see what you can discover. (I’ll list my own favorites in the book!)
Saving money is a good thing, but there’s another reason you should consider going global when it comes to finding an online tutor: intercultural exchange. Seriously.
You can learn a lot about the way others learn–and teach–by having a tutor from another country. Not only that, but you can develop a direct relationship with someone–and one that goes beyond forum posts or blog comments. There’s learning involved, and learning on lots of levels. So, always go for the one that offers you the MOST multicultural experience.
You’re supporting a well-educated teacher who has a passion for sharing information and a lack of opportunities to get paid well for it. You’ll get expert help and develop a friendship with someone on the other side of the world, and THAT is always a good thing.
