If you've thought about getting a tutor for your child, but are unsure of how to bring a stranger into the situation if your child is shy, you might consider online tutoring. Here are a few reasons why …

The Computer Can Eliminate Inhibitions

One basic requirement of working with an online tutor is having a computer and Internet access. You may be able to get this done by using a public computer, but for the service to be most effective, it's better to have a computer in your home. What's great about this arrangement – especially for a shy child – is not having to look at the tutor face to face, as would be required in an in-person tutoring session.

Very often, tutoring sessions are handled via chatting sessions with a webcam, headphones, and microphone. Also, there may be an electronic whiteboard, which is used in a similar fashion as blackboard in a classroom. This helps the teacher and student write out information in real time without having to be in the same setting. With the tutor being miles away from your child, her shyness may be eliminated, allowing her to thrive without the pressure of facial expressions, which can often be intimidating.

You Can Play a More Active Role

Another great benefit of using an online tutoring service for your school-aged children is being able to play a more active role in the experience. Often times, if you hire a tutor to come to your home for in-person sessions – or you send your child to a learning center – you don't want to stand in the way of their work. Instead, you may take a seat in another room to ensure that your child is safe, but still allow the tutor to work in an interruption-free environment.

However, when your child is being tutored online, you can sit right in the room as your child receives instruction. This way, you can make your child feel secure with your presence without having to live with the nagging fear that you're interrupting the tutor's ability to work.

Your Child Can Get Help Anytime

Finally, one of the greatest benefits of having your school-aged child work with an online tutoring service is being able to receive help at anytime. You may have a busy schedule that doesn't allow you to get your child to a session when a preferred tutor is available. However, with online tutoring you can schedule a tutor 24/7, which means you can always find one when you and your child are available.

The idea of receiving tutoring assistance over the Internet may seem a bit strange. But online tutors are just as reputable as those you can find who will do the work in person. So if you have a shy child who needs assistance, you might consider this as your path to tutoring success.