Education

Online tutoring has gained significant popularity among students and their parents. The ease of obtaining competency on a vast array of subjects through virtual and remote online techniques is impressive. It results in substantial time and cost-saving both for the tutors and the learners.

More and more people are opting for online tutoring business mainly because of the flexibility of time and duration. Along with it, there are advantages of attending the online tutoring sessions from the comfort of your home. Now the question that arises is, how to start a tutoring business online?

The article will guide you with the steps for starting an online tutoring business. Before venturing into online tutoring, you must remember to consider some aspects. Parents and students register for online tutoring sessions to obtain knowledge over and above the academic curriculum taught in schools and colleges. Hence framing the tutoring domain and subject of excellence is an essential and mandatory factor for a tutoring business model.

Let us know deep dive into some of the important facts of an online tutoring business.

Why should you venture into an Online Tutoring Business?

Online tutoring is a proven effective method to enhance the skills and competency level of students beyond the normal study patterns. It is an excellent technique to uplift the educational standards of the young generation as well as experienced professionals. Through the tutoring business, you provide a noble service of embedding practical educational resources into the minds of the learners.

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The other aspect of the tutoring business is flexibility. You can select your preferable duration and time for conducting the classes. The subjects and the curriculum can also be selected based on the research of educational needs. You have the privilege to select the learners as per your preference and schedule. Basically, you can control the entire process of tutoring according to your thoughts, passion and judgements.

Remember: Are you sceptical on how to start a tutoring business online for the first time? Well, you can initially work for some prominent tutoring companies for the requisite experience. Once done, you can venture into creating a tutoring business model of your own.

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What are the various options for starting an Online Tutoring Business?

While answering on how to tutor online, it is essential to understand the various options available. 

• Join an existing and established tutoring network or a company like Eduboard, TeachersToGo, TutorVista etc.
• Register in websites providing an opportunity to sell your tutoring services like Fiverr or Fittytown
• Start your online tutoring business

Tip: It is recommended to perform an analysis of your financial conditions, social media connects and infrastructure facilities. The analysis will eventually assist in deciding the correct option for starting an online tutoring business.

The general guidance on selecting the first two options are:

• Faster creation of a portfolio and experience profile, for speedier business growth and audience
• Establish a strong connect with prospective customers, ready to invest in your online sessions
• Build up a strong social network with potential clients, necessary to increase the demand for your live online classes
• Utilize the tools, and software provided by the tutoring companies

To finalize on the last option, you must remember the following criteria for success:

• A strong client base consisting of students and learners, ready to register and invest in your online business
• You have sufficient financial support to control and manage an end to end online tutoring business
• Knowledge of the latest and trending online teaching software, audio and video conferencing tools

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Academic Qualifications for starting an online tutoring business

To answer satisfactorily on how to tutor online, the first and foremost pre-requisite is appropriate academic qualifications:

1. High School Diploma

A diploma at the high school level is mandatory for conducting study sessions for middle school and elementary level students. With this particular degree, teaching high school students may demand additional demonstration of skills. 

2. Undergraduate Degree

A Bachelor’s degree in any subject qualifies you to teach students at different levels – high school, middle school and elementary level. If you desire to venture into tutoring college students, then you have to opt for specialization certificates. Alternatively, you can also gain work experience in your specialized subjects. 

3. Post-Graduate Degree

If you possess a Post Graduate Degree, you are equipped to teach students up to the college or university level. You can even educate budding teachers and tutors in sharpening their knowledge skills or competency levels.

Additionally, you can search for various online certifications available for teachers and educators. Also, several online courses and webinars are also arranged for academicians. You must constantly scan the internet for such initiatives and register for them. Certifications and courses increase your chances of establishing a strong online tutoring business.

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Key Steps for initiating an online tutoring business

1. Finalize your requirements

Analyzing the educational requirements is essential for framing your tutoring business model. Understand the various niche subject areas, that are generally preferred by students and learners. This exercise will help to determine the target audience. You can then select your subject domain with ease, focusing on the prospect customers. The second most important point is to check your competition in the market. You have to create your USP to flourish above the rest.

Tip: Attend forums and connect with academic experts to obtain sufficient knowledge on the learning trends.  

2. Select your Audience

You need to evaluate and select your audience (students and learners). The audience may be of different age, varying educational levels and even based at various locations. It is necessary to study their characteristics and their preferred educational needs. The second most important aspect is to understand their preferred duration and flexibility. 

Remember: Certain subjects are preferred explicitly by some age groups. Besides, the needs of experienced professionals and students are different. You must perform a deep dive analysis of these behavioural traits to determine your audience.

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3. Decide your Subject Area

Selecting the subjects on which you want to focus on, will eventually drive in creating a successful business model. Hence it is advisable to focus on your academic qualifications strictly. The more you gain a specialization degree, the more you are equipped to decide on the niche subject area. It helps in drafting your curriculum and duration for the online sessions. You can then engage in demonstrating live videos and use cases for strengthening your study materials and courses.

4. Assign the course patterns

Certain courses require a longer duration, and some require a shorter time frame. You need to evaluate each of the courses and assign the specific course pattern to it. It depends largely on the complexity and diversity of the topic. Besides, you need to think of both regular and flexible options for teaching. Hence, you have to prepare your courses in such a way that you can cover both full times, part-time and flexible time learners. Some courses also demand to showcase of videos while some recommend explaining concepts using live interactive whiteboards. These factors need to be considered while designing the course patterns.

Remember: Assigning the course patterns is one of the key criteria of success for an online tutoring business. An expertly designed and developed course will attract more and more students.

Introduction to the world of e-learning and e-learning methods

5. Install the necessary hardware

Your laptop or desktop must contain the necessary specifications for preparing the courses as well as conducting the classes. The storage capacity must be sufficient to accommodate the study materials and other educational resources. The speed must be adequate to run online teaching software, audio and video conferencing tools. Your webcam must be clear in broadcasting your image during the live classes or sessions. Microphones must be of good quality, providing clear communication facilities. Your hardware must never be a source of disruption during any online class or course.

6. Decide on the audio and video conferencing tools

Since you will be providing your tutoring sessions online, you must investigate on reliable and secure audio and video conferencing tools. Various online teaching software are available in the market, supplied by renowned product vendors. 

Highlighting the key ones for your ready reference and guidance:

• Unremot
• Google Classrooms
• Yo!Coach
• Skype
• Oovoo
• WebEx
• Tutorpace
• Tuturroom.net
• Mytutoring
• Wiziq
• Newrow
• Vectera
• Zoom
• Takelessons
• Learnspeed

All the software has facilities for integrated audio and video calling. They have provisions for chats and instant messaging. Sharing of documents are also a key feature for each of the software listed. Interactive live whiteboards are available for the tutors for detailed explanations. Certain software even provides options for collecting payments from the attendees.

 

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7. Selling online courses

As mentioned before, registering in different online tutoring companies is one of the viable options for selling your courses. You need to abide by their terms and conditions and business model. They demand verification of your credibility and identity before approving your profile in their websites. Through their websites, you can schedule your online sessions with the students and learners. 

Another option is to create your own website for selling courses or scheduling live sessions. Listing the tasks that you need to accomplish to establish your independent website:

• First, finalize the name of your tutoring brand
• Find out the domain for hosting your website
• Create the domain name based on the brand decided
• Purchase for the hosting services

A common question that arises is, do you need a license to start a tutoring business? Well the answer is, it is not mandatory. But there may be certain city specific laws and regulations which you need to abide to.

Suggestion: It is advisable to consult a legal professional to understand the licensing needs.

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8. Decide on the Payment Method

You must mandatorily fix the payment method and mechanism for your online tutoring business. There are several payment options available for you to choose from. If you have a website, it is recommended to integrate your payment service provider within it. You can provide facilities for the students and learners to register and pay for the courses. While if you are leveraging the services of online tutoring companies, you have to select the payment methods preferred by them.

9. Finalize the charges for the online sessions

You must be wondering on how to fix the charges for an online tutoring business. Well, the suggestion is to research on the charges demanded by various tutoring companies and experts. Compare between different websites before finalizing the amount. Initially you may need to offer some discounts for customers to register for your courses. The charges for subjects differ mainly on their duration, complexity and demand in the market. Check out the pricing offered by your competitors and decide on the final amount.

10. Marketing in social media platforms

One of the key steps on how to develop an online tutoring business is a presence in social media platforms. You must open a profile in the prominent platforms like Facebook, Google AdWords, Twitter, Telegram and other channels. Spread the words of your online tutoring business services among family and friends. Reach out personally to your connects in social media. Create a strong advertising presentation, showcasing your USP and other key features.

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Sending out emails is also another mode of communication with your suspect and prospect customers. Join in forums to collaborate and interact with students and other tutors. This may eventually help to gain more audience for marketing your services. 

Tips & tricks for conducting a successful online tutoring business

• Schedule your courses as per your bandwidth and availability
• Consult a legal person or lawyer to answer questions such as, do you need a license to start a tutoring business
• Engage with experts to learn the trending subject topics and about best practices of teaching students online
• Join forums to understand the tips and tricks on how to develop online tutoring business
• Conduct mock sessions at home to rehearse for the live online sessions
• Create a feedback mechanism for each of the sessions to collect comments and recommendations
• Always remember to answer all the queries either instantly or as follow up emails
• Speak clearly and concisely on the topics
• Gain proficiency in handling the online collaboration tools

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The last few years have seen an upward growth in the popularity of e-learning and e-learning methods. This has been possible due to our dependency on the digital lifestyle and the cost-effectiveness of the plans.

However, as the world had come face-to-face with the pandemic of Covid-19, the growth of e-learning has increased tenfold. From students to professionals, everyone is using digital mediums to add new skills to their bag of tricks. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of e-learning methods and how to turn it into a profit-generating source.

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What is e-learning?

Before we start talking about the various aspects of e-learning methods, we need to first understand the term.

According to Elliot Massie’s e-learning definition: “eLearning is the use of network technology to design, deliver, select, administer, and extend learning.”. If we go by this e-learning definition, it is the process by which an individual is able to learn and/or new skills with the use of technology. He coined this term in the year, 1999 during one of his speeches.

With the development of technology, our dependence and usage of it are also changing. In earlier times, smartphones were only used for calling or texting purposes. But now, we do everything from listening to music to buying commodities and even monetary transactions on phones. For this reason, since the last few years, people are shifting towards the e-learning methods to learn new things.

How is it different from regular learning?

In regular or traditional learning methods, the teacher and the learner both need to be present in a classroom or any other similar place. However, in e-learning methods, the teacher can simply design the course at a single period of time. And the learners can go through it even from distant places at their own pace. They don’t need to be in the same place as the educators in e-learning methods.

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What are the types of e-learning methods?

According to the experts, these are the various types of e-learning methods like:

1. Computer Managed Learning (CML)

Computer Managed Learning (CML) or Computer Managed Instructions(CMI) is a type of e-learning methods that uses computers for the assessment and management of the learning process. In this e-learning method, databases of the information a learner needs to learn are set up along with individualized ranking parameters.

Based on the learner’s preferences and communication between the learner and the computer, it is determined whether the learner has achieved the learning goals with a satisfactory score or not. It not, the process can be repeated until the learner completes it with an adequate level.

2. Computer Assisted Instructions (CAI)

In this e-learning method, training or interactive software is made available for learners or students. Thie software has a variety of multimedia content like text, graphics, videos, quizzes, audio, etc. that help the person in learning.

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3. Synchronous Online Learning

Synchronous Online Learning or SOL is a type of e-learning methods that enables multiple students to learn the same thing at a particular time.

In this method, the learners can join the process from anywhere in the world. Video-conferencing and online chats are some of the examples of this type. Using this type, the participants can directly interact with fellow learners as well as the instructor in real-time. It is one of the most growing and popular types of e-learning methods.

4. Asynchronous Online Learning

Asynchronous Online Learning or AOL predates the Synchronous Online Learning or SOL. As the name suggests, in this e-learning method, the students don’t study in a group but individually. As they aren’t connected to each other, their learning process is also independent.

They don’t need to stick to a particular schedule for learning with other participants. Instead, they can decide their schedule and pace according to their convenience. This e-learning method is very helpful for students who have time constraints and cannot stick to predetermined schedules.

5. Adaptive E-learning methods

In this method, the course material is personalized for every student. Instead of providing a generic set of learning materials to everyone, every student gets a unique set suitable to their level. This is done by the computer after analysis of various parameters like the skills, goals, scale, etc. of the student. Due to this technology, e-learning is more individualized and student-centric than the traditional methods.

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6. Interactive E-learning methods

One of the most popular e-learning methods is the Interactive E-learning method. In this method, the participants are in direct contact with the instructor through messages. This helps both the parties to modify the lesson structure according to the need of the hour.

The two-way communication also makes the process more efficient and effective.

What are the skills essential for e-learning methods?

The E-learning industry is changing with the rapid development of technology. Every minute, new scopes are created in this field due to this reason. So there’s also a constant lookout for personals to join the industry.

Here are some of the top skills one needs to have in order to succeed in the industry of e-learning methods:

1. Communication

Knowing the students and their needs are very much required for the instructor. So having great communication skills (both verbal and written) will help you go far in this industry. Often instructors are required to help the learners with their confusions and problems. And this won’t be possible if the instructor lacks proper communication skills.

2. Good in researching

E-learning methods require a large amount of researching. And most of the time, not all the information may be available on the internet. So someone with strong research skills can surely crack into this field.

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3. Knowledge of tools

E-learning methods are completely technology-driven. So one needs to have proper knowledge of how the various tools work and when to use them. They must be familiar with Learning Management Systems and SCORM Content Management Systems. This is because they need to ensure the lesson instructions get delivered equally to learners of all levels.

4. Perseverance

The e-learning industry is a tough one; not everyone can survive here. Along with the technical soundness, one must have qualities like perseverance and flexibility. This is because the job can be tiring at times, so they need to maintain their composure and stop the situation from escalating any further.

5. Needs to be a problem-solver

As the learners will be of different levels, their knowledge will also differ from each other. Many times they might have trouble getting used to certain methods. In such situations, the instructor will need to tackle the problem and provide alternatives. Thus having problem-solving skills helps a lot in this profession.

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How to develop e-learning courses?

Though it may seem daunting to some without prior experience of e-learning methods, it is very easy to develop e-learning courses. By following these six steps, anyone can start developing courses for e-learning methods without any difficulty. The steps are as follows:

1. Choose the proper authoring tool

A authoring tool plays a significant role in developing a course for the e-learning method. Choosing the wrong tool might not only make the process longer but may even make it complicated. Before you choose the authoring tool, have a clear idea of how knowledgeable your team or you are about programming and stuff. Based on that, look for a tool that fits your budget and provides all the facilities you need to create the course.

2. Do proper research

Before designing any course for e-learning methods, make your you know your targeted learners. Knowing their requirements will help you design the subject matter in a more relatable and efficient manner. You can take suggestions and queries from your targeted listeners before starting on the development.

3. Choose your base template

It is one of the most crucial decision to take while developing the course. If you feel that the team or you lack specialized skills, you can always use ready-made templates for your e-learning methods. But, if you have the proper experience and knowledge, you can build it from scratch to have that personal and unique element to the course.

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4. Select the cloud-based learning management system

Cloud-based learning management systems add a variety of tools to your arsenal. Using the cloud-based learning management system, you can add a range of graphical and multimedia content like quizzes, calendars, etc. to the course.

Docebo, Litmos, TalentLMS are some of the popular options of cloud-based learning management systems. Whichever system you decide to opt for, make sure it is suitable for your budget. As you will need to pay monthly charges to avail these services.

5. Use of links to add content

This is a critical point to remember if you don’t have proper knowledge or tools of adding multimedia contents. You can simply add links of relatable materials like presentations, resources, videos, etc. from other courses available on the internet.

You can also embed links of YouTube videos to play directly in your courses. This will help the learners to get all the resource at a place without needing to search all over the internet.

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6. Keep the multimedia content straightforward, crisp and straightforward

It might seem very tempting to stuff lots of text, videos, presentations into your course. But you need to make sure that you don’t overdo the multimedia content. This will make your course seem like a directionless hotchpotch.

Sticking to the goal and plan is very much necessary while developing the course. Otherwise, it is very to lose track and go overboard with them. Remember the simpler and crisp your course is, the easier it will be easier for the learners to connect with it.

What are the e-learning assessment methods?

E-learning assessment methods are necessary to check the overall progress of the learner. This also helps the instructor locate the areas where improvement is needed. Here are some r-learning assessment methods:

1. Simulations

Simulations can be a good way to check the progress of the learner. In a simulation, a learner needs to use all his skills to perform the task adhering to the rules. This will also test how they function under pressure.

2. Open-ended questions

This is one of the most straightforward yet popular assessment tools in e-learning. The instructor can put up open-ended questions for the learner to answer. As there is no right or wrong answer to open-ended questions, the learner gets the chance to express his ideologies and beliefs. It also enables the learner to draw his own conclusion from the questions.

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3. Online forums and discussions

Online forums provide a platform to the learners to voice their opinion from their understanding of the subject. It also helps the instructor see who are the active participants in the discussion and who tend to shy away. Based on that analysis, the instructor can prepare further questionnaires to collect their input.

Conclusion

Looking at the various aspects of the e-learning methods, it is justified that they are more convenient than the traditional methods. Also, due to being in the middle of a crisis, e-learning methods become more feasible. We can continue to do them from our home without compromising with our safety.

Thus this seems to be the perfect time to jump on the bandwagon of creating e-learning courses and start reaping the benefits.

FAQs

1. Is e-learning good or bad?

A. Like any other form of learning, it has its own good and bad. On one side, due to the lack of a strict timeframe, it gets easier for one to learn through it. On the other side, due to the same lack of timeframe, many people start procrastinating and stop before completing the process.

2.  How can e-learning methods help students?

A. As the students can continue the course from a remote location, it gets easier for them to complete it at their own pace and time. Unlike regular learning, learning methods don’t make them adhere to strict deadlines.

3. Do e-learning methods really work?

A. According to studies, e-learning methods are as effective as classroom-learning if not better. This is because it has more mobility than the latter.

4. It online learning and e-learning methods the same?

A. Though often used in relativity, both online learning and e-learning methods are different ways of education. Online learning is completely based on the use of the internet. On the other hand, for e-learning methods, the internet might not be needed every time.

5. How long should instructional videos be?

A. There isn’t any strict rule regarding the duration of an instructional video. However, experts believe 6 minutes to be the perfect duration for videos used in e-learning methods.

6. Which e-learning software is the best?

A. The most popular e-learning software among the audience are:

• Newrow Smart,
• Adobe Connect,
• LearnCube,
• Electra Live,
• BigBlueButton,
• Vedamo, etc.

It is to be noted that not all of these e-learning software are free. Some have membership plans one need to purchase in order to enjoy the services.

7. What are e-learning methods in simple words?

A. E-learning methods, in simple words, mean using devices like computer and smartphones for learning purposes. It may or may use internet depending on the course structure and details.