With the advancement of technology and digital tools, online tuition is emerging as an alternative, and sometimes a better option compared to the traditional way of getting tuition. Students in various countries are picking up on the online tutoring trend, including students in Singapore and its neighbouring country, Malaysia. Now, other than tuition centres and home tuition, students have even more choices when it comes to getting a helping hand for their homework.
Speaking of tuition centres and home tuition, there is a misconception that the higher price you pay the better the quality of tuition you receive. That is not always the case. Moreover, the emergence of digital technology has not only helped to eliminate the distance barrier, but also managed to help the tuition provider to keep the cost low. With the reduction in office rental, transportation fees, utilities and all other overhead costs, these savings can then be passed on to parents and students. Students get to enjoy the same quality of tuition at a much lower rate and of course, the parents get to provide the best for their children without needing to burn a hole in their pockets.
If you have decided to switch to online tuition, or keen to try it out, we have for you a compiled list of 7 online tuition providers! Hopefully, this list is helpful enough to get you started.
1. teachnlearn
(Image from https://my.teachnlearn.io)
teachnlearn is a Singapore-based online tuition marketplace which has now also expanded to Malaysia market with its office in Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 2017, they have a large pool of tutors offering one-to-one live online tutoring for a wide variety of subjects like English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, History and etc. Whether you are a student preparing to sit for the national examinations, or just need a quick help on your assignment, you can now get assistance from the experts easily, anytime and anywhere.
Easy, Simple Process
All you need to do is to sign up on their website for a free account, select the subjects and wait for their matching system to filter out a list of qualified tutors for you. After selecting your preferred tutor and lesson slot, you will have to wait for the tutor to reply you and prepare for your class. It is that easy! During the tutoring session, you may interact with your tutor using the video or audio chats, messaging features and the interactive whiteboard.
Pricing and Fees Depends on the Tutor
The tutoring fees is not stated on their website as it is determined by individual tutor. However, do take note that they charge a service fee of 5% of the tutoring session amount so make sure to check the total fee charged with them before confirming the tutor.
2. ChampionTutor Online
(Image from https://e27.co/startups/championtutor-online/ )
ChampionTutor Online is an online tutoring platform that boasts a diverse range of tutors from different countries with different backgrounds and expertise.
Choosing your preferred tutor
Unlike the previous platform, to find your tutor, use the “Search Tutors” function located on the header. You can then filter according to different categories, such as gender, level, subject, country and budget. The tutors’ profile are also shown on the page so that it is easier for you to select your preferred tutors.
In order to engage their tutors, you must first create an account at their website and log in. After that, you to make a request. Then, you will receive applicants who will apply for your posted job and you may then chat with the tutors before making decision. Upon deciding preferred tutor and schedule, lesson will be conducted online on their website through the online whiteboard system which you will be able to text, voice or video call with the tutor. If you can’t decide which tutor to choose, you may also try their 30 minutes free trial.
Pricing and Fees
The tuition fee ranges from USD 10/ hour onwards and varies depending on the tutors’ qualifications and experience. The website will also automatically convert the rate to your local currency so you do not have to worry about any calculation inaccuracy.
3. Tuition On The Go
Tuition On The Go is a new comer in online tuition industry in Malaysia. It was established in 2019 with the goal of revolutionizing education environment by providing a system that allows students and parents to choose their preferred tutors in just a tap on their smart phones or tablet. As this platform is fairly new, you may not be able to find more information on their website. Also, they have limited number of tutors and mostly provide tutoring services in science and math subjects only.
In-house Booking System
Tuition On The Go allows you to make appointments instantly with the tutors by using their in-house booking system.
Flexible Class Size
They have flexibility in terms of class size, by allowing more than one student to attend the lessons together. In other words, by paying a little more, you may invite your classmate to attend the class with you. You can just state the number of students for the class you booked in their booking system. Once the lesson is confirmed, you will be able to learn from the lesson using their video chat classroom.
Pricing and Fees
Their tutors’ rates start from RM 30/hour.
4. TeachMe
(Image from https://teachme.com.my)
TeachMe is an online education platform in Malaysia that provides on-demand tutoring and online teaching lessons.
Wide and Diverse Range of Tutors
Although there is not much information on their website, they do have a significant number of tutors offering online teaching services to primary and secondary school students. Most of the tutors on the platform teach on a part time basis as some of them are undergraduates who have just finished their exams, and there are also working professionals on the platform to share their knowledge and expertise with the students. The tutors’ profiles are all available for viewing along with the fees they charge clearly stated.
Choosing Your Preferred Tutor
The way TeachMe operates is pretty much the same as other platform stated above. You may filter your search by subjects and grades, and the tutors that suit your requirement will appear. You may then request a lesson from the preferred tutor and once the lesson is scheduled, you will enter the virtual classroom and get one on one guidance from your tutor.
Pricing and Fees
As TeachMe is more like a free market that allows those tutors who are keen to gain teaching experience to list their service, the rate of each tutor varies hugely. Some tutors charge at RM 50/ hour while those with less experience have even offered to teach at no charge.
5. Pencil.my
(Image from http://pencil.my)
Pencil.my is an online learning platform that helps to enhance students’ academic performance by the means of self-learning among the students.
Self-Learning and Reward Systems
With its visually attractive educational materials and their reward system, it motivates students to study using their online study materials at the comfort of their own home. They also provide tests and questions for students, and correct answers will earn them badges and points. Another feature of their platform is that students can ask questions or consult with friends in their community whenever they face any difficult questions.
Credible Study Materials
According to their website, they develop the online platform with their study materials in collaboration with University of Malaya(UM)’s Research and Development (RND), in the direction of psychological element and information technology. Currently, they offer all subjects for primary and secondary students. So far, they have received positive feedback from the parents and students.
Pricing and Fees
They offer 3 learning packages for the three level of studies, which is RM50/ month for one primary student user, RM 70/ month for one PT3 user and RM 90/ month for one SPM user. There is also an activation fee of RM 300 upon sign up.
6. Snapask
(Image from https://snapask.com)
Snapask is a mobile application that provides on demand learning support with the team of experienced tutors they have on their platform. The mobile application has been around for 5 years since its inception in 2015. It has a presence at 8 Asian countries and regions nowadays, including Singapore and Malaysia.
One-to-one Learning by Taking a Snapshot
As a student, all you need to do to learn is to simply take a snapshot of the question you want to ask. The app then matches you with a tutor to begin an instant one-to-one learning session. Unlike other online tutoring and learning platforms where you are required to search for your preferred tutors and schedule a lesson, this app uses its algorithm to find the best match among the available tutors based on the questions you snap and post. That way, you can get help from a tutor instantly whenever you are stuck with your homework. It also lets you to learn from your tutor via any communication channel you are comfortable with, be it pictures, audio or text messages. After the tutoring session, you can then rate them on the app so that the platform can keep track of its tutors’ performance. Another feature of this app is that students are able to view their past questions to revise, as well as ongoing questions. This can help you monitor your own progress.
Pricing and Fees
Its plans are priced at $168.98 (RM 169.90 for Malaysia) per month for unlimited questions asked and $108.98 per month for 50 sessions. There are also session packages selling at $19.98 for 5 sessions, $68.98 for 30 sessions while for Malaysia, the rate are RM 5.90 for 1 session, RM 39.90 for 10 sessions and RM 89.90 for 25 sessions. They also have other special packages that are targeted for complex group questions.
7. iMath
iMath is an online learning community created for Mathematics learners. Our founder, Liu Yueh Mei saw how the geographical constraints hinder students around the world from accessing high quality Mathematics teaching resources. So, she came up this online learning platform which is a combination of community-based guidance and one-to-one teaching for those students who face difficulties in their math homework, and strive to give the best learning experience to students regardless of countries and ages.
Free Community Wall with Math Experts
iMath has a Community Wall that allows anyone with math question to post it and have answered by Community Wall members, who are a group of math experts, math enthusiasts and parents. The best thing is, this Community Wall is free of charge! Anyone can join the Community Wall to post questions or answer the questions posted by other members. Students can use those questions to practice and improve on their maths skills. The Community Wall can be accessed by visiting their website at www.imath.sg or downloading their app on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
One-to-One Session with Professional Tutors
For even more guidance, we actually provide a 30 minute one-to-one video call session with their professional tutors. Our team consists of experienced tutors who are passionate about Mathematics and teaching, so rest assured you or your children will be in good hands.
iMath’s My Wall
iMath also has other useful features such as My Wall where students can choose the math topics with the settings, and get reminder for scheduled tutoring sessions. The lessons can be recorded and are available for review for 12 months after the lesson is completed.
Pricing and Fees
iMath’s Community Wall is open to everyone free of charge. Their one on one video call tutoring session starts from $15(about RM 46)/ 30mins onwards.
Conclusion:
Currently, online tutoring in Singapore and Malaysia is still less popular compared to other nations like the U.K. or the America. The more popular way of conducting the lessons are still in the form of one-to-one video or live chat.
However, the advantages that online tuition brings i.e the flexibility and savings in time and money are unparalleled. The constant improvement in our digital communication tools also means better quality of audio and visual technology, making sure that it does not compromise the quality of teaching and learning compared to that in real life. The Covid-19 pandemic that has “exploded” this year and severely affected students in both Malaysia and Singapore shall serve as a signal for us to re-look at benefits of shifting to the online tutoring and learning industry.
With all that said, we definitely encourage you to give online tutoring services a try. As a starting point, please do check out iMath. Our Community Wall coupled with personalized tutoring services on the same platform is highly advantageous for students according to feedback from parents and students, compared to most of other online platforms where they are limited to only one-to-one lessons. With a diverse range of opinions and discussion that you are exposed to through the Community Wall, you will be opened to new perspectives – and this is something crucial for in your learning as a student. Furthermore, if you have financial concerns and do not wish to spend any money just yet, you can just grab hold of the chance to explore the Community Wall first for free and learn from other members through their questions and answers.
