As schools around the world navigate the transition to online learning, the COVID-19 pandemic is shining a light on digital education like never before. Teachers, students, and parents are confronting unprecedented, real challenges in the shift from IRL to URL. Everyone’s trying to figure out: Can online learning be as effective as in-person instruction? What makes online learning most optimal?
ArborBridge’s decade of digital-first experience has given us keen insight into what makes or breaks the online experience. Read on for our insights. Before that, we’d like to acknowledge that not all of these setups and resources are easily or financially accessible. Students with limited access to personal computers, internet, resources for private tutoring, or quiet study space need support from their school districts and governments in order to stay on track during and in the wake of school closures.
One-on-one is king
It’s our business because it works: individual sessions with one student and one tutor are far and away one of the most effective structures for online learning. For one thing, students can easily connect with online academic experts anytime, anywhere. An online tutor can provide personalized support that fits seamlessly into the student’s schedule, so they can get the help they need when they need it. It’s as simple as opening your laptop.
One-on-one sessions also maximize efficiency and personalization. A tutor can choose exactly the lessons and content that fit a student’s strengths, weaknesses, areas of interest, and learning preferences. Lessons move at the student’s pace, and they receive immediate feedback that they can apply right away for maximum impact.
Tailoring learning outcomes with digital tools - especially for learning differences
Online tutoring at ArborBridge is effective because our tutors choose impactful digital resources that improve student learning outcomes, are appropriately challenging, and are accessible to different learning styles and needs. This is especially relevant for students with learning differences.
For example, ArborBridge tutor Grace was working with a student with dyslexia. First, Grace supplemented the learning material with topical online videos, which were memorable and easier to understand. Second, because the student had difficulty with the hard copies of the curriculum, Grace used electronic versions along with on-screen tools to customize the display to best suit the student’s learning needs - such as to zoom in or out as needed. These are just a few strategies Grace employed to help the student better comprehend the learning material, take advantage of online delivery, and help the student feel more empowered in her learning experience.
Integrating the best of the internet for smooth sessions
Zoom dominates our quarantine lives because it works. In tutoring sessions, Zoom allows students to converse with tutors as if they’re sitting across from each other. Students can share screens and annotate documents with their tutor for a fully engaged, active learning experience.
Meanwhile, Dropbox and Google Drive make it easy to share files during and between sessions. Students can open these apps from either computer or phone to instantly access notes from past lessons and submit assignments for their tutor to review. Tutors who are well-versed in a variety of online tools can also walk students through the sometimes confusing digital platforms being used by their schools to ensure students are set up and ready to follow along with coursework.
A clear system for keeping students on track and keeping parents informed
Online learning can offer just as much, if not more, accountability than what many students have experienced in traditional settings. Lesson summaries, homework data, score estimates, and a plan for the next lesson can be delivered to student, parent, and counselor inboxes after tutoring sessions or classes, making it easy to track progress every step of the way.
As an added bonus, there are myriad websites and apps tutors at ArborBridge teach students to use to keep track of goals and deadlines. If you are not currently using a digital academic planner, your tutor can help you choose the right fit for you, take you on a tour so you feel confident navigating its key features, and help set up your assignments, due dates, and automated reminders.
Need more individualized advice?
The recommendations above are generalized plans. If you have specific questions or want a personalized plan, reach out to our experts here. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
About ArborBridge
ArborBridge is the global leader in innovative, digital, one-on-one tutoring. With nearly a decade of experience teaching students online, ArborBridge supports students of all kinds: home schoolers, AP students, test preppers, and more. Our tutors specialize in creating personalized plans and in providing compassionate support for students and families.
