When I first heard about online tutoring services, I was skeptical to say the least. How could tutoring, usually a face-to-face interaction, be just as effective when done completely online? And, because I’m not the most tech savvy person around, I wondered how I could use it. Since one tutoring company, Tutorzilla, is giving the first online tutoring session away for free, I thought I would try it out and see how it all is done, and if it even really works.
So I went to Tutorzilla.com and created an account. This only took about 2 minutes, and then I scheduled a biology tutoring session for the next day. Since I am currently enrolled in General Biology at my college, I thought this might be a helpful tutoring session to review for my upcoming exam. I was emailed a reminder notice from Tutorzilla about my session, and they provided an easy link to the Webex session where I would meet my online biology tutor. I wondered how easy this would be, since I’ve never even heard of Webex, so I clicked on the link and it took me to the Webex website. Then I just clicked on "Join Now" and entered my name and email address, and I was in a session. My biology tutor was waiting to welcome me, and I’m glad that I had a headset so that I could chat on Voice Over IP with them and listen to their instruction. The tutor introduced herself and showed me the quick and easy Webex tools to write on the online whiteboard and work through concepts. Near the end of the session, she asked me if I had any questions, and we reviewed the lesson. I signed off, feeling very happy with the biology review I had just participated in.
What did I find out about online tutoring? It’s much easier than I thought it would be, and I really enjoyed the convenience of using online tutoring instead of trudging out somewhere to meet up with tutor at Starbucks or the library. Plus, they offer tutors who have their graduate degrees in the subject they teach, yet at a discount tutoring price. It doesn’t get much better than that–convenience and saving money! My Tutorzilla online biology tutor was very knowledgeable, and I walked into my exam the following day with confidence. So if you are feeling like online tutoring may be out of your technological reach, don’t worry. It’s actually very easy to use, and I’m going to use it from now on to get homework or test prep help whenever I need it.
