The popularity of virtual tutoring applications has skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, the supplemental education industry (which includes tutoring apps and other e-Learning tools) is valued at an estimated $5 billion, up from an already impressive $500 million in 2001. From the convenience factor to engagement-boosting gamification elements, virtual tutoring will only grow in popularity.
Explaining the Popularity of Virtual Tutoring Apps
Virtual tutoring apps provide students and their parents with a slew of positive benefits:
Apps can be there for them anytime, anywhere
Students who use on-demand tutoring apps are just a few taps away from receiving help at all times. This is especially valuable when a student is sick at home, balancing extracurriculars, studying late at night, or any other time an in-person tutor isn’t readily available.
Many virtual tutoring apps incorporate gamification to make learning fun
Incorporating game-like elements such as scores, badges, and quests into learning experiences can help concepts resonate with students in a novel, fun way.
Apps can promote personalized learning
Every student deserves an education that fits their learning style. Virtual tutoring apps allow tutors and students to engage in 1:1 sessions where the tutor learns the student’s unique needs. From there, the tutor can tailor future lessons to ensure they’re an even better fit for the student.
Apps are often more affordable
Mobile app tutoring is typically more affordable than in-person tutoring for a variety of reasons. For example, apps usually have a flat cost per month versus the per hour rate of in-person tutoring. The cost of in-person tutoring can easily add up to hundreds of dollars per month!
The pros of virtual tutoring apps are clear, but how do you know if your student could benefit from them?
How to Choose the Right Virtual Tutoring App
If you decide that a tutoring app may benefit your student, your next question is probably, "How do I pick the right one?" These are common quality benchmarks from the most popular options for app-based tutoring, including Princeton Review.
Make sure the app vets their tutors
The company should rigorously screen their tutors for education experience, personality, and background. This is especially important when you often can’t meet or speak with them in real life as you would with an in-person tutor.
Read real reviews
Visit the app’s listing on the iOS or Google Play stores, and make sure they have real student and parent reviews on their website. Social media can also be a reliable source for unbiased user feedback.
Ask your student's teachers for their thoughts
Teachers can give insights into where your student may need supplements to their learning. They will help you assess if virtual tutoring or in-person tutoring is a better fit!
Want to learn more about how Yup checks the above boxes? Read 3 reasons our math tutoring app helps students get the personalized, flexible help they need on their own schedule.