With the proliferation of digital learning tools in the online space, coupled with the increase in AI-generated support, the question arises: does online learning have to be human-centric, or is human-delivered support becoming obsolete?
While some educational technology companies are expanding their efforts into the world of AI tools and AI tutoring, other companies, such as Link-Systems International, Inc. (LSI), prefer to keep their solutions human-centered. Since 1998, LSI has built up its successful virtual tutoring platform, NetTutor, using only human tutors in its operations.
“The ability to interact with a real person, to ask questions, seek clarification, and engage in genuine dialogue, enriches the learning process in profound ways. Students are not merely recipients of information, but active participants in their own learning process,” says Vincent Forese, President of LSI. “That active participation with an empathetic and experienced tutor is also what boosts students’ overall mental well-being.”
The live element of virtual tutoring not only enhances academic understanding but also fosters emotional and mental wellness among students. A 2019 study found that students who have access to a live tutor report benefiting from a human’s perception and understanding — a guide who can identify where they are struggling, check in for comprehension, provide valuable feedback, and expand on more in-depth information. Live human tutors are often more flexible and attentive to nuance, meaning they can adapt to students’ needs on a moment-by-moment basis.
The personalized attention and human interaction provided by live tutors can serve as a crucial support system, especially during times of heightened stress or uncertainty. Since online learning has often blurred the boundaries between home and school, the role of a live tutor extends beyond the academic realm, offering a source of stability and guidance. Students feel heard, understood, and encouraged, which, in turn, bolsters their confidence and resilience.
AI tutoring brings with it a series of ethical dilemmas that are not easily addressed, given its fast-paced rollout. Experts have raised concerns that AI tutoring could provide false answers, reinforce biases or stereotypes, or even compromise student privacy. The predictive nature of AI’s structured responses could also interfere with student autonomy, hampering the skills students need to think critically. Conversely, the live aspect of virtual tutoring reinforces a sense of accountability and responsibility in students—traits that are instrumental for their personal growth. By engaging in real-time discussions and receiving immediate feedback, students develop essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
These skills, which students are building in their tutoring sessions, go beyond the confines of course material; they prepare students for the challenges they will encounter in their higher education experience and careers. As we continue to explore the potential of virtual tutoring, the profound impact of human-delivered tutoring, on both the academic enrichment and the well-being of students, should not be overlooked.
