Good online tutoring is not a worse version of in-person tutoring. It is a different format with its own strengths. For motivated students with the right setup, online tutoring is just as effective as in-person, and often more flexible.
Online tutoring was a novelty in 2018. By 2021, it has been tested at scale by families across Toronto. The lessons are clearer now. Online tutoring is not a compromise. It is a different format that can be just as effective as in-person tutoring, and sometimes better.
What actually changed over the last year
Three things became obvious during the period of school closures.
First, the tools matured fast. Whiteboarding software, shared documents, and screen sharing are now stable, fast, and intuitive. A tutor in Toronto and a student in Markham can write on the same digital whiteboard in real time without lag or technical friction.
Second, students adapted. The Grade 9 students of 2020 are now comfortable in online learning environments in a way that students of 2018 were not.
Third, parents got a clear comparison. They saw their children both in remote school and in person, and they can now distinguish between bad remote learning (a teacher reading slides into a camera for 70 minutes) and good remote learning (an interactive small-group session with shared problem solving).
Setup matters more than you think
The single biggest predictor of whether online tutoring works for a student is not the tutor. It is the home setup. The students who thrive in online tutoring have:
- A quiet, dedicated workspace
- A laptop or desktop (not a phone or tablet)
- A second screen or a tablet for writing math by hand
- Reliable internet
- A working microphone and a webcam they are comfortable using
The second screen or tablet is the one most families overlook. Math and science tutoring require a way for the student to show their work in real time. A bare laptop is workable. A laptop plus a small writing tablet (like a basic iPad with Apple Pencil, or a USB drawing tablet) is significantly better.
When online works well, and when it does not
| Situation | Online tutoring | In-person tutoring |
|---|---|---|
| Motivated high school student | Excellent | Excellent |
| Younger student (Grade 4 to 6) | Works with parental support | Often easier |
| Student with focus issues | Challenging | Easier to manage |
| Tight scheduling, multiple activities | Excellent (no commute) | Harder to fit |
| AP/IB exam crunch period | Equally effective | Equally effective |
| Long-term reach-ahead programs | Excellent | Excellent |
How we run online tutoring
At Exploring Scholar, our online sessions use a shared digital whiteboard, screen sharing for solving problems together, and recorded sessions on request. The instructor writes math the same way they would in person, and the student writes alongside them. Students keep all session notes after the fact.
The biggest practical advantage we see for families is scheduling. Online removes the commute, which makes it easier to fit tutoring into a week that already includes school, homework, and other activities.
Our online programs serve students across Canada and the United States. Get in touch to talk about whether online tutoring is a good fit for your child.
The choice between online and in-person is no longer a quality question. It is a logistics and student-fit question. Either format can produce excellent results when it is set up well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online tutoring as effective as in-person tutoring?
For most high school students, yes. With the right setup and a focused student, online tutoring produces the same academic outcomes as in-person tutoring. Younger students sometimes need more in-person support.
What equipment do students need for online tutoring?
A laptop or desktop, a reliable microphone, a webcam, and reliable internet. For math and science, a tablet or writing pad for handwritten work makes a significant difference.
Does Exploring Scholar tutor students outside of Toronto?
Yes. Through online programs, we serve students across Canada and the United States. Many of our long-term students are based outside the GTA.
Are online sessions recorded?
On request. Recorded sessions can be useful for review, especially before a major test. Families can opt in or out per session.
Want help with this for your child?
We are happy to help you figure out the right plan. Toronto and online, Grade 1 through university.