Online tutoring is becoming more popular than ever in Canada. New technologies and platforms are making tutoring services more accessible, even to those in remote areas, and allowing students to get their tutoring on-to-go. Online learning was gaining in popularity even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, it’s the norm.
In this blog, we’ll explore why online tutoring is on the rise, and discuss the trends and benefits of seeking tutoring through online platforms.
The Growing Demand for Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is big business. The global market was estimated at over $53 billion USD in 2021, and is projected to grow to over $90 billion by 2030.
Several factors are contributing to this rise. In Canada, one of the chief reasons is the influx of families into Canadian schools who come from countries where tutoring is popular. Especially if their children are learning English as a second language, a tutor can help them to get on-par with native English speakers more quickly. Added to this, there is a documented decline in parents’ confidence in the Canadian education system, in spite of the fact that Canada’s students are some of the top performers in the world in the OECD’s annual rankings.
Parents also believe that tutoring will give their children the advantage in today’s competitive and crowded labour market. On the flipside, the supply and demand problem for Canada’s teachers has many qualified education professionals seeking tutoring jobs because teaching jobs in the public school system are not available.
There are more positive reasons for an expansion in online tutoring, however. There are a growing number of quality online tutoring services for students to choose from, and a growth in tools that support online communication and learning. The introduction of online learning tools in traditional classrooms since the pandemic has also increased students’ and parents’ confidence in the effectiveness of online learning. In February 2022, for example, the Ontario Government invested in digital learning platforms that included math, sciences and coding learning tools to enhance one-to-one teaching.
Benefits of Online Tutoring
There are a number of key benefits to consider when it comes to online tutoring. Busy university students can schedule their tutoring sessions around their class schedule and part-time work. Busy families can fit tutoring in between mealtimes, after school activities and other time-consuming routines. Instead of factoring in travel time for in-person tutoring sessions, online tutoring can happen anywhere the student can find a bit of peace and quiet and a stable internet connection. Online tutoring is also a boon for students and families in rural areas. They can now access as many tutors as students in big cities, and have the freedom of choice. If a tutor isn’t a good fit, they can feel confident that they will be able to find another teaching professional who will suit their style.
Tutoring is also ideal for students who require a personalised approach. Whether you’ve identified your learning style differs from how you’re taught in class, or you are neurodivergent, a tutor can help ensure you’re learning in a way that suits you best.
Technological Advancements in Online Tutoring
One of the main reasons why online tutoring is booming in 2024 is that the technology for online communication has also improved rapidly in the last 10 years. Common video conferencing platforms like Zoom have enabled students and tutors to connect easily, and these platforms offer near-real time speech and screen sharing. Other technologies like virtual whiteboards, drawing tools and shared code or text editors also allow students and tutors to collaborate and work together simultaneously, which gives online learning a nearly-in-person feel.
Tutors are also able to make use of online platforms to enhance the fun of learning online and keep their students focused. Quizzes, videos, and gamification tools can motivate young students and adult students to complete homework, and get the benefit of interactive learning during their tutoring sessions.
Choosing the Right Online Tutor
Not all tutors are alike, whether you’re learning online or in-person. Choosing an effective online tutor should be as serious as choosing someone for in-person learning — an online tutor must be engaging, personable, and have a solid teaching background. When you are assessing whether a tutor is a good fit for you, consider their qualifications, ask lots of questions about their teaching style, and try a free consultation before beginning tutoring sessions so that you can gauge your compatibility.
Looking for a new tutor? Check out our helpful guide: Finding an Online Tutor: What to Look for in Canada (2024)
Our Success Stories
At TutorLyft, we pride ourselves on only selecting the top 5% of applicants for our platform. Our tutors are real professionals, with at least three years of experience. Plus, every tutor has at least a bachelor’s degree, and many more have graduate degrees. When you work with our team you can feel confident that you’ll be satisfied. Want to hear from other students? Check out our testimonials page — we have a perfect 5-star rating on Google!
The Future of Online Tutoring in Canada
As online tutoring continues to grow in popularity, and the technology that powers it also evolves, learning online is sure to become the norm rather than the exception. Technologies like AI-powered platforms and virtual or augmented reality may help students feel more engaged with learning, and give online education a real-world feel.
Regardless of the method, parents continue to want to help their children get an edge. Online public school classrooms currently make it more difficult for children who are struggling to get one-on-one attention. With a private online tutor, struggling learners can feel more confident. Young children can get the confidence-boosting attention of a caring adult who adapts their teaching style to the child, and can also instil a lifelong love of learning in their young student.
If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of online tutoring firsthand, check out our roster of exceptional Canadian tutors.
