Online Tutoring

Berge’s (1995) posits that the conditions necessary for successful on-line instruction are categorised into four  main areas: pedagogical, social, managerial, and technical.

Pedagogical (Instruction itself, goals and learning objectives, feedback, etc.)
Managerial (tracking progess in their students, getting useful data, administration issues, etc.)
Technical (provides technical support, solves queries, uses different types of e-tools.etc.)
Social:  (encourages social interaction, establishes a good learning environment, promotes discussion, etc.)

Lentell (2003) asserts that tutors need to have knowledge and a broad conceptual understanding of their field. They have to be effective listeners and communicators, to be a coach, facilitator, mentor, supporter and resource. They have to listen, to shape, to give feedback, to motivate, to direct, to appreciate – broadly to be developmental and problem solving.

Online Tutor

Any person taking charge of supporting and enabling students to learn online effectively.

Online tutoring requieres the following skills:

• Good organisation
• Good personal characteristics
• Subject expertise
• ICT literacy
• A flexible approach
• Excellent communication/discussion skills
• Interactive and collaborative skills
• Time management skills

Some benefits of online tutoring are:

Improving positive attitudes to the subject, better grades, highly effective study habits, developing successful learning skills, encouraging confidence, and so on.