Issue Date: December 9, 2007

In this article: Tutor Tips

Parent Smart

The ABCs of online tutors

Individual needs determine which approach is best.

By Ann Pleshette Murphy The point-and-click convenience of online tutoring is the latest after-school help for kids. But is it right for your child? For starters, consider the cost. Expect to pay anywhere from $19.99 an hour to $100 a month. Most services use interactive virtual whiteboards, and some supplement that with other tools, such as chat functions or headphones. Three different methods of tutoring can be found on the Web. The first allows your child to learn with a specific tutor each time he heads to the keyboard. If he's having persistent trouble in a given subject, the continuity of this method may be best for his needs. TutorVista.com, for example, allows you to schedule meetings in advance with any tutor you want. The help may be coming from a distant continent, but the tutors have degrees in their given fields, according to the company. Another type of online tutoring provides instant help. When your teen gets frustrated at midnight because she "just doesn't get it," a tutor on-demand might be just the thing she needs. She simply signs on, specifies the problem she's having and is connected with the next available tutor. Smarthinking.com, TutorVista.com and Tutor.com are some of the sites that offer this service. A third option requires a little patience and some advance planning. Your child submits his work for review, and then, in a day or less, receives comments and suggestions. College writing centers often use this method, and Smarthinking.com lists this kind of tutoring among its services. Tutor tips Start by talking with your kid's teacher: Set measurable goals with the help of the person who best knows your child's academic abilities. Ask about continuity: If your child is constantly having trouble in a subject, make sure he can ask for the same tutor (or tutors) when he calls. Get your money's worth: Observe several sessions between your child and the online tutor to see how your child responds to the approach. Measure her progress against specific goals, and set a timetable for achieving them. If problems persist, get in-person help. Online tutoring is best for kids who need a little help to maintain good grades. If your child is failing, nothing beats personalized attention.