Online vs In-Person Teaching

With the pandemic in the rearview mirror, we often reflect on how it has changed society. One of the biggest changes was the rise of online learning and collaborative platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. This revolutionised the world of work – leading to the rise of “remote” and “hybrid” work environments. Naturally this has influenced tutoring including here at Cardiff & Vale, and this blog reflects a review of these practices. Our review found that hybrid and online teaching retains key benefits for our tutors and students.

The Rise of Online Learning Post-Pandemic

First, the flexibility of online teaching cannot be overstated. With such a high volume of requests for our skilled and experienced tutors, it can be a challenge to fit all our students within a limited timetable. By shifting teaching online and removing commutes, tutors are on average able to take on 5-6 more sessions weekly than in-person timetables. This increase in flexibility provided more choice for students and allowed them to fit in sessions alongside other commitments and allowed tutors to take on additional clients. This allows us to provide additional teaching and support to ensure that all our students can excel.

Learning Outcomes: Online vs In-Person

Second, that studies indicate that online teaching has similar outcomes to in-person. Zhang & Gillespie (2023) [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371470561_The_Impact_of_Teaching_and_Learning_Changes_During_the_COVID-19_Pandemic_on_the_Post-Pandemic_Era] and Harper et al. (2024) [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377298874_Face-to-face_vs_blended_learning_in_higher_education_a_quantitative_analysis_of_biological_science_student_outcomes] conducted studies monitoring the education outcomes of online and hybrid models compared to in-person. Both studies concluded that teaching quality and assessment outcomes were not impacted by the format.

Supporting Diverse Learners Through Hybrid Models

For some students, these sessions proved beneficial where confidence and neurodiversity acted as barriers within conventional teaching. Overall, this supported the continued use of these models for our clients and students.

Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits

Finally, by shifting teaching into online and hybrid models we reduce costs and our carbon footprint. By reducing commutes, we meet our commitments to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. Perhaps most importantly, we also reduce costs for our clients. By removing transport costs, we can reduce our fees and expenses claims – saving you money and allowing us to keep our fees even more competitive. Therefore, we can continue to provide our excellent services without adding additional and unnecessary costs during the current financial squeeze.

Continuing High-Quality Tutoring Services

Overall, our review supported an online/hybrid model to allow us to continue our services at competitive prices. Our enhanced timetables allow us to provide additional teaching to a wider body of students, and is supported by leading research and studies. We aim to maintain the highest quality of service and support, and remain committed to providing this to as many students as possible. Get in contact with us today!

This Blog was Written By Dr Daniel Chesse

Do take a look at earlier blogs:

What is The Value of Tutoring? – Cardiff Vale Tutors

How does Online Tuition Compare to In-Person Tuition? – Cardiff Vale Tutors

What Is The Value Of Tutoring? – Cardiff Vale Tutors