I was doubtful when my AP Calculus Exam tutor first introduced the idea of online tutorials because I felt students would be at a disadvantage without having a teacher standing in front of them.

However, after the first session I was persuaded otherwise.  Students have the opportunity to see the calculations being solved and to hear the teacher’s instructions, therefore serving both visual and auditory learners.  The students can even use the microphone to ask questions, thereby crossing the communication barrier that usually comes with online chats and messaging.  The program has a helpful hand raising signal which mimics the classroom; the layout is very organized and easy-to-use, and there are useful applications available like the graphing calculator.

Elluminate even goes beyond the regular classroom by allowing students to save the chat and whiteboard slides.  It is also possible to record the lesson which can be played back so that the student may review the material exactly as the teacher taught it.

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The online tutorials have been surprisingly effective, especially with the combination of the audio and whiteboard. I very much enjoy the convenience of learning in the comfort of my own home. As well, the intimacy of the lesson makes asking questions less intimidating and it is much easier to actually participate and be engaged in the lesson. Overall, learning over the Internet has proved to be a positive experience and has engaged my attention more than the regular classroom.