Online or traditional French tutoring ?

For a while now, since that dreadful virus hit us and forced us into lockdown, "online everything" has just exploded.

So was born the new era of tutoring, I know some people had jumped on that online wagon a while ago but suddenly, we were left with no choice.

Many parents are now, as the dust is slowly settling and home visits are allowed, asking me which is better, online or traditional face to face tutoring?

Obviously, there is certain ceremonial about a home visit, I usually offer my student a cup of tea and a slice of something home baked, there is something comfortingly informal about being in someone's home. We get to know the rest of the family, the pets. It is a real human experience.

Online tutoring might seem cold and detached at first, but I must say, I have even been surprised myself by how quickly both parties, student and teacher adapt and develop a new bond, how quickly experienced teachers can still read facial expressions and understand the mood of the student and adapt the lesson to the individual.

The obvious advantage of online tutoring is it erases what can drive parents crazy...the driving, the waiting, the picking up. Families are so busy, extra driving at peak hour to get to some other part of town juggling more than one kids or activities, is a just a nightmare. It is simply too much time wasted and finding experienced tutors willing to come to your home is becoming more and more difficult as they too would be facing the transportation issues.

And that is where online tutoring wins. The flexibility it gives student and teachers, the time it gives back to already busy and overstretched parents, the cars it takes off the road...one cannot beat that. 

There are some rules to follow of course. Just as you would with anyone, make sure you have a discussion with your potential tutor about your goals, understand each other's expectations, will you enjoy each other's company ? Review and assess your options before you embark on a language journey.

Online tutoring is definitely worth a go, you might surprise yourself by how quickly you will forget the camera. Make sure you are prepared, the lighting is good, your work is near you...and who says you can't make and share a virtual cup of tea over a FaceTime session ?

Have you considered online classes ? What are your hesitations ? Or maybe you have embraced it already  ?

Please respond to me, I would love to know.