The Future of Online Tutoring

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

Online tutoring is not a new concept; it has enabled distance learning for decades, thanks to the widespread use of the internet. However, online tutoring has become the new standard in academic settings post-COVID, as people were confined to their homes and life had to continue. Over the past decade, the education sector has undergone a significant transformation, with online tutoring serving as its backbone. What started as a backup option for learning during the pandemic has now become a permanent part of the academic ecosystem and an essential component of it. Several colleges even offer online doctoral programs that applicants can attend from anywhere in the world. Whether it is for school subjects, language, schools, coding, or even soft skills. Online platforms are critical for modern learners.

Moreover, with new technologies such as AI platforms, VR, and gamification, the future of online tutoring in 2025 holds considerable potential for unlocking new possibilities. Let's explore the possibilities for online tutoring.

What is Online Tutoring?

Online tutoring is a teaching method where a tutor provides academic services or learning instructions to a student via digital platforms. It is different from in-person sessions. Online tutoring is more often done via platforms or methods such as:

• Online screen sharing and whiteboards.
• Interactive platforms or tutor management software.
• Video call platforms include Google Meet, Skype, and Zoom.

Online tutoring can be conducted on a one-to-one basis or in group classes. Another training option is recorded lessons that students can access at their convenience.

What Makes Online Tutoring A Better Option?

Online tutoring is now a one-stop solution for learning, where distance or location are no longer barriers. In addition to being convenient, online tutoring offers several other benefits, as outlined below:

• Online tutoring is location-independent, meaning it is not dependent on the student's or tutor's physical location. The student can be from one part of the world, while the tutor can be from the other part of the world.
• Online tutoring allows for flexible scheduling, as it does not depend solely on the school hours typically allocated for in-person sessions. Online tutoring sessions can occur at any time, as preferred by the tutor or the student.
• Online tutoring offers students as well as educators a global exposure. Students can learn from a tutor who is from another country, or a tutor can gain online tutoring opportunities in various parts of the world. Online tutoring has made it possible to earn degrees, such as an
• The backbone of online tutoring is digital tools, including AI assessment tools, video learning tools, PDFs, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and more.

Online tutoring is cost-effective as it offers flexibility for various learning styles, making it a top choice for tutoring.

How To Become An Online Tutor?

Online tutoring is a flexible job opportunity that tutors can utilize to advance their careers while earning well. You can teach students from all over the world. If you are wondering how you can become an online tutor, here is a simple guide for you:

Step 1: Decide on the subject you want to teach. 

Step 2: Know your target audience, whether it is school students, college students, adult learners, or professionals seeking skill upgrades.

Step 3: Get qualifications and credibility with a degree or certification.

Sep 4: Choose the platform through which you will conduct classes.

Step 5: Set rates.

Step 6: Build your online presence. Market and advertise on several online platforms to get students.

Step 7: Learn digital tools.

Step 8: Start teaching and get feedback.

Step 9: Make sure to keep improving.

Future of Online Tutoring 2025: What to Expect?

The online tutoring industry is booming rapidly, and it is just the start. There is so much more that is expected of this industry. Let us look at what you can expect:

1. Market Growth 

There has been a staggering boom in the global online tutoring market. According to a report by Statista, the online tutoring market is projected to reach a size of US$203.81 billion by 2025. This tremendous growth is possible due to the factors that are mentioned below:

• The increased internet penetration worldwide, along with the widespread adoption of smartphones across all age groups, is a major contributor to the surge in online tutoring scenarios.
• As online tutoring offers on-demand learning with flexible timings, it is another reason for the massive growth.
• Another reason is that the personalized approach offered by online tutoring is increasingly preferred by students today, as they are more tech-savvy and like to learn on the go.

Let us understand the market growth of online tutoring based on regional trends:

• Due to the robust technology infrastructure and widespread adoption of technology, online tutoring has become the new norm in North America.
• In India and Southeast Asia, the online tutoring market is experiencing huge growth due to rising competition from academics and mobile-first learning solutions, which are highly affordable and accessible.
• Additionally, online tutoring is becoming a supplement to formal education in Europe, particularly for STEM subjects and language learning.
• Globally, the US is expected to generate the highest revenue from online education

2. Technology Being The Driving Factor

Thanks to technology, online tutoring is no longer just about video calls. There is so much more to it. It is rightly said that technology will define the next phase in online tutoring, as the integration of advanced technology is taking the experience to a whole different level. Let's look at other technological advancements that have made online tutoring a different ball game: 

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way students approach academics today. However, it can also be used to assess a student's performance in real time and create content that suits a student's needs and preferences. AI has given rise to the Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS), which can seamlessly perform the following actions:

• It adjusts the pace, difficulty level, and focus of the lesson depending on the students' needs.
• The system adapts instructions in real-time based on the student's performance, ensuring the provision of the right level of support.
• It also provides instant feedback to the students, ensuring that errors can be corrected and the understanding of concepts is much clearer.
• It involves interactive sessions, simulations, and exercises, which engage students.

It also allows personalization according to tutoring needs. With properly given instructions, AI can provide numerous benefits, such as creating lesson plans or building websites quickly and efficiently.

Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

Another technological advancement that has given a boost to online tutoring is the use of virtual and augmented reality. VR, or virtual reality-enabled tutoring, provides an immersive environment for students. 

They can help them understand and learn subjects like virtual biology and historical reconstruction better. Although VR tutoring is still in its earliest stages, it is poised to become mainstream in the future.

Smartphone Learning

Considering that everyone owns a smartphone, including students, the opportunity can be harnessed via mobile learning apps. As technology improves, mobile apps are becoming a go-to choice for students, especially in developing countries. 

This helps with microlearning and online tutoring on the go. Additionally, mobile learning apps not only benefit students but also support teachers in delivering classes and monitoring student progress.

3. Enhanced Learning Models

The changing scenario of online tutoring is not just due to technology and circumstances; it is also a result of people now wanting to shift from rigid curriculum to flexible and skill-focused models. With each passing day, learning models worldwide are improving to provide students with online tutoring. 

Some models that are gaining attraction and becoming the new norms under online tutoring are:

Hybrid or Blended Learning Models

Instead of simply relying on online tutors, schools and tutors are now seeking a combination of different learning modules. Hybrid or blended learning models incorporate a mix of in-person and online sessions, enabling the maximization of benefits.

For example, Students can attend weekly lessons via video chat, and during the weekend, they can meet the tutor in person for clarification of doubts or discussions.

Soft Skills/ Career Training 

Tutoring refers to teaching, and it is not limited to academic subjects. Today, the scope of tutoring is far beyond the educational curriculum. A person can receive tutoring in various areas, including interview preparation, leadership development, coaching, communication skills, career development, skill improvement, and more.

Likewise, tutors also have massive opportunities to teach subjects and skills beyond primary academics. Tutors can seize the chance to expand their tutoring business over time. Also, as reported by McKinsey and Company, soft skills are going to be in demand. This brings the perfect online tutoring opportunities for tutors to explore these territories as well.

Not only that, a student can gain significant exposure even from an online degree that pays well and is also affordable, as they do not have to physically relocate to that particular country or state. 

4. The Evolution of Tutors And Students

The future of online tutoring brings great news for both students and tutors. The effects of online tutoring on both students and tutors are profound. Let's understand how tutors and students can evolve:

Evolution for Students

• One of the biggest benefits that students get out of online tutoring is easy access to learning and guidance from tutors all around the world. Students can reach out and take sessions from renowned tutors without leaving the comfort of their couch.
• Another benefit that students can reap from online tutoring is personalized learning. Guardians can find tutors online who provide personalized one-on-one sessions for their children, helping them learn more effectively.
• Additionally, since sessions are held online, there are no limitations on the timing or type of content a student wants to access. Students and tutors can connect at any time that is feasible for both and for the duration that they both can agree on.
• Moreover, with tutor management software and LMS, students or parents can now review their performance instantly.

Evolution for Tutors:

• With the evolution of online tutoring opportunities, teachers can now teach from any location in the world. It is no longer necessary to be bound by location. This will also provide flexibility to tutors who want to opt for online tutoring as a side hustle.
• In the future, AI will help streamline processes for tutors, including creating a dashboard, tracking progress, providing valuable feedback, and generating reports.
• Since LMS or tutor scheduling software will make tutors' work more efficient, they will now have more time to invest in creating a more engaging lesson plan and introducing approaches and methodologies that will greatly help students.
• Tutors can also have a reliable and automated payment system through which they can receive payments consistently without needing to check with parents daily.

Challenges That The Future Brings

Well, every coin has two sides. Likewise, with so many benefits to look forward to, both tutors and students may face certain challenges in the future. Since the future is inevitable, it is best to be aware of the possible difficulties and know how to cope with them. Let us look at the challenges arising due to the rise of online tutoring in the future:

Unequal Access to Technology 

Although online tutoring brings numerous benefits to students and tutors alike, connecting them worldwide can pose a problem for students living in rural or underprivileged areas. Since students from disadvantaged regions often lack internet connections or have poor internet connections, they may face difficulties accessing technology to attend online classes and sessions. 

Moreover, students from such backgrounds are also often unable to access laptops, tablets, or other necessary technological equipment for online tutoring sessions. Unless this gap is bridged, online tutoring may unintentionally create educational inequality in the future.

Absence of Human Connection and Engagement 

Online virtual classes can feel easily isolating, even through video calls and chat features. This case is especially true for younger students, as face-to-face interaction is reduced. Moreover, contrary to traditional teaching methods, online tutoring often has weaker student-teacher bonding.

Additionally, online tutoring sessions, especially those of longer duration, can sometimes increase feelings of boredom and disconnection.

Health Concerns

Considering that online tutoring is expected to experience further growth, it is also necessary to recognize that excessive screen time from online tutoring classes can significantly harm students' health. 

Decreased physical activity, lower attention span during long sessions, and even health issues such as muscle strain or headaches are likely to become common occurrences with online tutoring in the future.

Quality Concerns

Unlike traditional tutoring scenarios, the online tutoring market is not entirely regulated in many regions worldwide. This can often lead to variability in the tutor's qualifications. Additionally, the tutoring standards can also be inconsistent. 

One of the primary concerns that arises from online tutoring is the prevalence of scams and unverified platforms that can catfish students and parents, wasting not only their time but also their money. 

Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks 

If it involves the internet, it will contain privacy and cybersecurity risks, and online tutoring platforms are no exception. The fact that online platforms collect a vast amount of data, including personal information, academic records, videos, and chat history, without proper cybersecurity and data protection policies in place, the data can be misused or even compromised. 

The more advanced features that online tutoring presents are also considered the greatest risk to the privacy of both students and tutors.

Language and Cultural Barriers

Online tutoring environments often feature students and tutors from diverse backgrounds and cultures, speaking different languages. This will eventually lead to communication gaps and misunderstandings of instructions, as well as a lack of relevant examples due to cultural differences.

Over-Reliance on Technology 

Although AI and automation can help online tutoring reach new heights, they also pose a growing risk of replacing the human element in tutoring. Even though online tutoring via AI automation sounds promising, its overuse can also lead to a lack of empathy and decrease critical thinking. 

Considering the challenges, it is best if tutors and students opt for a hybrid mode of tutoring so that it does not affect the health of students and tutors, and also retains the human element. Moreover, avoiding overly relying on tech tools will help mitigate privacy and security risks.

Conclusion 

So, what does the future of online tutoring hold? Well, it is defined by flexibility and personalization, as it offers. It is a fact that technology, including AI and VR, is poised to take center stage, making online tutoring more engaging and effective than ever. However, to unlock the full potential of these technological tools, it is essential first to understand the challenges that students might face. Considering the risks associated with the rise of online tutoring, it is also crucial to establish robust ethical standards and support educators during this digital transition. The future is coming; the best way to make the most of it is by incorporating practices that benefit both the tutor and the student.

Other Things You Should Know About the Future of Online Tutoring