Online teaching, besides overcoming the constraints of time, space and money, is a good source of earning too. People having sound knowledge of any subject can share it with those who are eager to learn them and get paid in return. In fact, this mode of sharing knowledge has gained currency in the recent times and students from primary to graduate level are benefiting from it, writes Farooq Qureshi
Time, space and money are constraints on spread of knowledge which creates a wide gap between teachers and learners. However, this problem can be overcome through online guidance and e-tuitions for classes ranging from primary level to post graduate level.
Online teaching, besides overcoming the constraints of time, space and money is a good source of earning too. People having sound knowledge of any subject can share it with those who are eager to learn them and get paid in return. In fact, this mode of sharing knowledge has gained currency in the recent times and students from primary to graduate level are benefiting from it at any time of the day in the comfort of their homes. Subjects ranging from Maths to English, foreign languages and computer education are more commonly sought-after subjects.
Online teaching can be done on an individual level or in the form of a firm in which teachers can be hired. The model is known as Knowledge Process Outsourcing. Demand for e-tutoring is increasing by the day. Training companies, schools, colleges and universities prefer this mode of education. Ample opportunities are available for part-time as well as full-time teaching. Numerous websites are acting as platform for the tutors and students to benefit from each other.
The number of highly educated and trained people tutoring students on the Internet across the globe is increasing rapidly and the same trend is noticeable in this country as well. The city has also witnessed an increase in demand of skilled teachers who can teach online and can offer guidance in various subjects. Several city-based teachers and professionals have opted for online teaching.
This mode of teaching comes in handy for those students who reside in remote or rural areas and cannot easily find qualified teachers to guide them. This mode then becomes a handy tool for them by which to get guidance from qualified teachers, said Taleen Shah, team leader with Axis KPO. Snehlata Shirke, an ex-employee of a Knowledge Process Outsourcing said that one requires to clear NET, TIT or possess B Ed, M Ed or Ph D degrees to become an online teacher although e-tutoring companies prefer master's degree. Graduation degrees are also considered in certain cases.
Excellent command over language, in-depth knowledge of the subject and passion to teach are the characteristics which are required by the companies hiring online teachers. Apart from these things, there are other important factors which could enhance the quality of teaching. The details of the curriculum of the student, the method of learning process in that country (if students of other countries are being taught) and the current syllabus are important to understand the requirements, she added.
Shirke had initially observed opposition from local teachers as their earnings were hit, but they had a valid point. Their argument was that it was important for a teacher to be conversant with the curriculum, the pattern of questions asked in examinations and the course content in a particular State. For offshore teachers, it was difficult to know all these since his students usually come from different states.
Sharvesh Singh tutored US students and had a great feeling teaching them. He was overwhelmed by the gratitude shown by the students.
Ankit Jain, an assistant programmer who works as a part time e-tutor, said a candidate should be an expert in his subject and should keep himself updated. Besides he should be technologically sound in the use of computers, internet, microphone, headphone, digital pen, share screen and web cam. Video chat is a basic requirement and one should be conversant with this. However, if one is working for a company, it is the company that provides all these pre-requisites.
Jain added that online teaching was an additional source of income, besides keeping the tutor updated. Earlier, he was hesitant to take up the job, but his friends were aware of his command over his subjects and persuaded him to take part-time teaching. Earning from e-tutoring varies in different parts of the globe and large differences can be observed. For private tutoring in the United States, one can earn $100 or more in an hour. An online session with an Indian tutor costs around $20 an hour and can cost much less if the student signs up on a monthly basis.
There are some problems too with this mode of learning which cannot be ignored. The companies hiring the teachers have first to train them in languages and have also to acquaint them with the culture of the country in which the students reside. TutorVista gives all its tutors 60 hours of language and cultural training, to help them better relate to students in the US. This includes teaching them the American slang.
There are some practical drawbacks also in this kind of tutoring. Students need the right equipment - a computer with quick Internet access, a headset with a microphone and a tablet with a pen. The service can also be impersonal, particularly if the students are not taught by the same tutor each time. This often results in making the communication between the student and teacher a bit confusing and difficult.
Despite the difficulties, e-tutoring services have a slight edge as it provides time flexibility for both the student and the teacher. There is no need to attend classes. The student can contact the teacher online to resolve his problems at any time. The best part of e-tutorials is that it can be provided from any place and many categories like house wives, retired employees and even students striving for job can take to this kind of teaching. The flexibility in e-tuitions makes it a perfect case for those who cannot afford to traverse long distances or are not quite at ease in terms of finances.