Considering Online Tuition In Malaysia? Read This First.

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Back in the day, the concept of tuition was confined to four walls and a single tutor. Today, online tuition has taken Malaysia and the rest of the world by storm. It connects students to teachers across the nation with the simple click of a search button.

However, much like other technology, online tuition may not be for everyone. As you evaluate whether online tuition will work for you, it helps to consider the pros and cons. In doing so, keep in mind your specific learning style, strengths and circumstances.

The Pros Of Online Tuition In Malaysia

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1.Accessibility Of Time & Place

Traffic and public transport can be tricky in Malaysia. Online tuition makes learning easier and more flexible by removing the need for travel. The convenience of accessing classes from anywhere has been shown to improve student attendance. 

Beyond convenience, online tuition expands your options. For example, a student from Penang can access tuition from home with tutors from KL, and vice versa.

2. Resource Access

The internet is both a blessing and a curse in the context of online tuition. Although the internet may distract students, it also gives them access to a limitless range of online resources. 

Have a question about a science experiment? Tutors can share a video to answer that question in the blink of an eye. The use of online resources has a significant impact on student learning. 

Digital literacy can make online learning difficult. However, students who take the time to understand how to use online tools will benefit in university and eventually, the workforce.

3. Affordability

Another advantage of online tuition in Malaysia is that students save on transport costs and fees. 

Teachers save on the cost of a physical space to host students and the need for study materials. These savings are then passed on to students, who benefit from the reduced costs of after-school support. 

4. Lesson Recordings

At Gurulab, lessons are recorded to allow students to refer to them at a later date. Important notes and exam tips will be at arm's length when preparing for examinations.

The ability re-watch classes unlock a brand new study resource for students. A resource that does not exist in traditional, face-to-face classes. 

The Cons Of Online Tuition In Malaysia 

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1.Staying Focused

The task of focusing on a screen for long periods is a challenge to both children and adults alike. Beyond tired eyes, there is a strong need for self-discipline when dealing with the internet. 

We know it’s hard. The ding of a WhatsApp message or flash of a notification can distract a student during a lesson. This is a major concern for Malaysian parents with online tuition. 

To curb the lack of student focus, it is important to find a tutor who keeps their online classes engaging and interactive. 

2. Teacher Training

As most would expect, traditional ways of teaching won’t work in an online classroom. With online tuition, teachers have to find new methods to hold the attention of students. 

This is why online tuition centres in Malaysia need to invest in teacher training. By equipping teachers with the right skills and tools, they have the power to make online tuition a wonderful experience for students. 

3. Digital Literacy

The lack of access to technology is a major barrier for students. Those who do have access, will not always have the right set of skills to take part in a virtual classroom. 

Google Suite, Kahoot, Zoom, Edmondo - these are only a few of the thousands of different tools used by online tuition teachers in Malaysia. And with each tool, comes a period of learning for students to truly maximise their learning.

Given that students will have various levels of digital literacy, those unable to understand the tools are at a disadvantage. Thankfully, these skills can be learned easily (and, for free) with a simple search on Google!

How To Choose The Best Online Tuition For Your Child

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The opportunity presented by online tuition for Malaysian students is a great one. By decoding the pros and cons, you can access the many possibilities online tuition has to offer. 

To truly experience the impact of online learning, it helps to find the right online tuition classes. Here’s how:

Read reviews

Much like the offline world, student reviews and parent testimonials will help you make a decision. So, to find a good online tutor, it helps to read the student feedback and reviews available on Google or the tutor/centre’s website.

Ask about the online teaching experience 

Although this may seem like a no-brainer to you, a good tutor is quite different from a good online tutor. Tutors need to leverage online learning tools and be able to engage students in a virtual classroom. 

So when choosing an online tutor, it helps to speak to the team to truly understand the individual tutor’s experience and their teaching style in the digital world. 

Ask about the platform or tools used

Beyond tutors, the technology used in class also plays a major role in online tuition in Malaysia. The power of a good tech can make both, teaching and learning, more effective.

While Zoom is a wonderful resource, classes held purely on this platform without supplementary tools may lack the ability to hold a student’s attention. That’s why it helps to find out the combination of tools tutors use to deliver their lessons. This will ensure your child stays as engaged as they would in a face to face setting.