Online Tutoring Delivers Flexible, Personalized Instruction

(ARA) - Thanks to the flexibility of live instruction over the Internet, families can now fit at-home tutoring into schedules packed with after-school activities, sports, and friends.

eSylvan, which recently launched nationwide, is the first and only Internet-based tutoring service to offer personalized reading and math tutoring for students in grades three through nine provided by state-certified teachers, and all from the safety and convenience of home. eSylvan teachers and students use Web technology that allows continuous two-way audio dialogue.

"Until now, the challenge has been finding a qualified instructor who can fit into the family's busy schedule, which often includes soccer practice, piano lessons, and Cub Scouts. With eSylvan, parents can schedule in-home tutoring when it's convenient for the family, so children can learn without missing any fun," said Pat Hoge, executive director of education and curriculum development for eSylvan.

Unlike other Internet tutoring products that are formulaic or pre-recorded, each eSylvan program begins with a comprehensive online skills assessment to pinpoint a child's skill gaps. Using these results, eSylvan is able to create a program that is targeted to each child's individual needs, and includes a variety of "prescribed" lessons that help the child meet his specific learning objectives.

eSylvan's unique technology enables a student and teacher to have "real conversations in real time," as if they are on the telephone, using a hands-free headset connected to an ordinary PC. The student and teacher talk with one another as they write questions and answers on the same workspace displayed on both the student's and teacher's computer screens using a digital pencil and digital writing pad (similar to a mouse pad).

"With an online tutoring service, such as eSylvan, parents can schedule in-home tutoring when it's convenient for the family, so children can work toward higher grades without missing any after-school activities," said Hoge. "It's a win-win situation for everyone."

For further information about eSylvan, parents and teachers can visit www.esylvan.com, or call (877) eSylvan.

Courtesy of ARA Content