Do online tuition teaching platforms complement formal education?

The advent of online tuition teaching platforms has transformed the education sector in recent years. The surge in the number of requests for online private tutoring reflects the effectiveness of online tutoring. Online learning tools like BYJU'S and Khan Academy have significantly earned a successful ground in the country's education sector. BYJU'S, which is India’s one of the leading tech platforms, has gained an upper hand over its students because they provide easy access to the best coaches around in the comfortable vicinity of their homes. Irrespective of the availability of physical centers, students can enroll in regular coaching classes to gain the best learning outcomes.

The tussle between traditional and unconventional modes of learning has gone through much debate. There is certainly no denying the fact that these platforms are a combination of traditional coaching centers and new tech startups that aim to spread the benefits of e-learning widely. However, many have overlooked and are reluctant to welcome new plans. People dislike the idea of online learning due to various plausible reasons. But there is enough evidence to mark the success of online platforms.

Platforms like BYJU have been trying to evolve as per the needs of all ages. For early learners, the app has come up with innovative learning that combines subjects like Math and English with popular child fiction stories from Disney. As the Chief Content Officer at BYJU’S, Mr. Vinay MR puts it, the course material in the app is built over the fundamental principle of learning fused with engaging activities.

The school and universities are time-bound institutions. They have limited time to complete a particular portion along with additional learning materials, assignments, and other activities. Amidst such physical and mental exhaustion, e-tuition does not mandate the physical presence of either the teacher or student. This not only saves time and energy but also gives the benefit of one-on-one communication. Students also have easy access to recorded lectures which are as informative as any offline tuition.

Completing the syllabus on time is one of the prime goals of every teacher. Due to this burden, the school teachers often emphasize fixed techniques and tools, dismissing the students' comprehension and notion. Since different students hold different grasping powers, some of them are often left behind. Many times, students hesitate to ask questions from teachers due to the fear of inducing an embarrassing situation. As a result, the student suffers a vague understanding of the concepts. With online platforms to learn from, the student may not adhere to the restricted knowledge. They can find answers to their classroom queries and unlock the door to vast knowledge. They have complete control over learning as there is no limit over what or how much one wants to learn.

Today, students pay a handsome amount to get educated in the best of schools. For students facing a tight budget, the cost plays an important determining factor. Therefore, many refrain from approaching tutors. With affordable online platforms like BYJU’s, every student is likely to get a hand over the best tutors.

The growing business of the online tutoring system has evidently increased the number of job opportunities for many. Recently Byjus announced its plan to hire 8000 people in 2021 to work from home. This initiative will not only produce employment opportunities for the unemployed but will also fulfill the sector's requirement for more teachers. The entry of young tutors in the sector will complement formal education with advanced ways of learning, teaching, and assessment.

While formal teaching emphasizes technical and professional skills, online tuition teaching platforms help students learn and enhance their soft skills like time management. Firstly, there is no person physically scheduling classes. It solely depends on the students when and where they wish to attend lectures. With the feasibility to access lectures at any point of the day, the student is allowed to construct his own suitable time frame. One can even watch a lecture on his/her mobile while traveling in a metro. Secondly, online learning apps majorly depend on a student's self-discipline and motivation to learn. In the presence of these apps, students learn to time their studies and complete lessons on a regular basis. BYJU'S is designed to help students and parents track real-time progress. This way, both are allowed to oversee the progress rate of the students. Furthermore, this feature can be also utilized to keep a track of the skills being mastered and the ones that need more attention.

Knowledge has no boundaries and so do online tuition platforms. The facility of online coaching is a boon for students who wish to go beyond local. With BYJUs approaching the international market this year, the youth will have the chance to interact with experienced teachers and be a part of the stupendous education mechanism of countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, and Mexico.