Online Tutor
What is the work like?
Online tutors, or e-tutors, support students who are studying courses on the internet.
As an online tutor you would:
- contact new students to help build their confidence and understanding of the course
- help students to develop their study skills
- act as a point of contact for students' queries
- give support by telephone and email
- help students to set up discussion forums and chat rooms
- take part in audio and video conferencing
- conduct 'virtual classrooms' (classes conducted through web technology)
- assess students' work and give feedback.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To become an online tutor you will need:
- knowledge of the subject you will be teaching
- teaching, training or tutoring experience
- good IT skills.
Depending on the type and level of course you will be teaching, you could be expected to show your subject knowledge by having one of the following:
- a relevant degree, professional or vocational qualification
- a relevant qualification at least one level above the level of the course you tutor – for example an A level to teach GCSE
- substantial relevant work experience.
Entry requirements vary widely, so it is best to check with employers.
You may also need a relevant training or teaching qualification such as:
- Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS)
- Certificate or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- NVQ levels 3, 4 or 5 in Learning and Development.
See the Further Education Teacher profile or contact LLUK for more details.
You could do a course leading to an e-learning qualification before looking for work, although this is not always essential. See the further training section below for details of qualifications.
What further training and development can I do?
As a new online tutor, you may receive in-house training from your employer. You could also study for a qualification such as:
- LeTTOL (Learning to Teach Online) or Net-Trainers qualification
- Joint Examination Board Level 3 Certificate in the Educational Use of the Internet
- Training Foundation TAP certificates in e-learning tutoring, training, development or management skills – completion of three certificates leads to the Diploma in e-Learning Skills
- postgraduate courses in online or distance learning – available at several universities, often part-time or by distance learning.
Visit the individual organisations' websites for details of their courses.
By joining the Institute of IT Training you can gain professional recognition, access to career and training advice, and networking opportunities. Visit the Institute's website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
Foundation HouseUniversity of Warwick Science Park
Coventry
CV4 7HS
Tel: 024 7641 1288
St Andrew’s House
18-20 St Andrew Street
London
EC4A 3AY
Information and Advice Service: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org
The Sheffield College
Castle Centre Northside
Granville Road
Sheffield
S2 2RL
Tel: 0114 260 3637
Siskin Parkway East
Middlemarch Business Park
Coventry
CV3 4PE
Tel: 08707 202909
Westwood Business Park
Coventry
CV4 8HS
0845 006 8858
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Pay rates can vary from £8 to £30 an hour. Average pay can be around £18 an hour.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually arrange your own working times to suit your workload and the needs of your students. This may sometimes involve working in the evenings and at weekends. Part-time work is common, and you could work as a tutor alongside another job.
You may work from home, and would need a broadband internet connection.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good IT skills
- an interest in new technological developments
- keen interest and wide experience in your subject
- enthusiasm and the ability to motivate students
- the ability to communicate clearly and tactfully
- a patient, supportive approach
- good organisational skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for a college, university or private training provider, or be self-employed.
With experience, you may be able to move into other areas of online education, such as course development, management or consultancy.
Contact an adviser
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