Anyone Ever Tutored Online?

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Hey guys, I am relatively new to peer tutoring (just started getting some "practice" consulting hours in my university's writing center as part of a Peer Tutoring class I am taking), but it's something that I am really passionate about.

Right now, I am trying to learn more about online writing labs and what kinds of different kinds of online writing consultations different schools and universities have available to them. Are there any tutors on this blog who have had experience working as an online writing tutor and would like to answer a couple of questions? Basically, I am working to find out how online writing consultations can foster the same learning experience as a one-on-one, face-to-face consultation in a writing center.

If anyone out there has experience with this and would be interested in participating, please let me know by commenting. Thank you!

Comments

  1. Dr. Angie Mallory8:55 PM

    You know, I don't have any experience with this, but I keep hearing about it everywhere and am curious about it as well--if you get feedback on it, please post an update!

    This is my 3rd semester as a peer tutor and I don't see how it would be possible to create the same kind of quality experience online that we strive for in person. My only thought about how to come close would be if we had some sort of technology like Skype where we could have visual and audio contact with a client--but then you'd need to be looking at their writing too--which would work if we had two computer monitors or printed the paper out...I don't know if I like the idea, but again, I don't know much about it.

    What do you think the benefits of online tutoring would be if we could make it a quality experience? For that matter, what are the qualities you value in face to face tutoring that you'd want to create in an online experience? These are interesting questions you've brought up, and I'm looking forward to hearing more!

    By the way, welcome to peer tutoring! It is so neat, isn't it? :-)
    --Angie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous5:08 PM

    Hi Angie,

    I currently work at the Center for Excellence in Writing, at Florida International University, were I am an online tutor. At our center we use a program called adobe connect that is extremely easy, convent and effective.

    From my own personal experience, I think that online tutoring is, and can be more effective than students that come in for for a face-to-face session. What I have already created in an online environment that I liked with the in person sessions is that you build that trust with someone via the internet, even if you haven't met the person.

    Down here in Miami, we tend to work with non-native English speakers, which makes it tough for those students to actually use the online system. But for the those students that might not feel hesitant about virtual sessions this has surely been a great way to get the help they need from at their on connivence.

    I highly recommend!

    ReplyDelete

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