Grades Grow Tutors

It’s obvious that the widespread use of computers (and of course, the internet) has had a huge effect on how learning takes place. Every aspect of learning has changed dramatically, even tutoring! One could probably list dozens of ways that the rise of computer use has impacted learning, but today, we’re going to look at just ten, folks. Without further ado, here’s your top ten!

10. Learning is more interactive than ever!
Years ago, CD-ROM discs revolutionized interactive learning. Encyclopedias and other learning tools that were indexed on CD-ROMs could provide the same information as a standard encyclopedia, but with added video and audio content to really allow a more interesting learning experience. Now, with DVD discs that hold several times more information, interactive learning is just a disc away.

9. No more hand cramps!
If you’re like me, it’s been a long time since you’ve handwritten a paper or essay. On occasions when I do have to handwrite extensively, the first thing I think (besides, “ahhh, hand cramp!”) is, “I wish I was typing, instead.” Nowadays, we take for granted being able to spell-check to our heart’s desires and move large paragraphs in a single bound, but believe it or not, this was a novelty at one time!

8. Parents can stay involved in much easier ways than before.
Parents have always been able to provide homework help, ask how their children are doing in school, and generally get involved with their children’s education. Now, it’s easier than ever to track a child’s progress, as many schools have websites where parents can access student grades and comments from teachers. Online tutoring provides the same options, as we here at Grades Grow Tutors give easy access to parents who want to review reports on study sessions between students and tutors. Thanks to the internet, it’s more convenient than ever to stay “in the know” when it comes to your kids’ education.

7. Researching is easier than ever!
Way back when I was in junior high school, if I had research that had to be done for a paper, I was stuck with the library and its massive card catalog system as my only source of information. Now, if you have a computer with internet access you can literally find information about any topic in seconds! Projects, research papers, reports…they’re all made easier to do, thanks to computers.

6. Your favorite school subjects…enhanced.
I wasn’t the type of person who really got into dissection in biology class, but today, things might be different. To be able to pop a DVD in to your computer and explore a 3-D version of a frog’s organs, now that’s cool! It’s hard to think of a subject that can’t be enhanced with computer technology; whether it’s interactive encyclopedias for history classes, spreadsheet programs for accounting courses, or even computer-aided illustrating to spice up art classes. No matter what your subject of interest is, computers can take it to the next level and make it easier, more fun, and more interesting.

5. Providing an education within an education.
Computers not only provide a means to assist your learning in classic school subjects like math, history, and English, but they are a subject within themselves. While you’re typing that paper, designing a website for your science class project, or helping with the layout for the school newspaper, you’re also learning skills that are guaranteed to transfer over to most future careers. Think about it, how many careers out there don’t require the use of a computer at some point or another? Not many! Chances are, your computer skills will not only help you get a better grade in your history class, but also will help you land a great job somewhere down the road.

4. Computers make classes more fun!
Even back when floppy disks were the apex of computer technology, computers were already making learning more fun. In my junior high social studies class, we would race to get work done so that we could get on the class computers and play Oregon Trail. As technology has continued to improve, so have educational programs, and there are still a multitude of fun ways to supplement your learning, no matter what your grade level is.

3. Homework help is just a click away.
The very nature of communication has been changed by the dawn of the internet and the sheer number of computers in use today. Not only can you e-mail a teacher or instant message a fellow student who you’re working with on a group project, but you can find an online tutor who can help you understand your class work all while sitting at your desk, in the comfort of your own home! The convenience of being able to get the assistance you need from say, a math tutor, all while sitting in your pajamas and typing on your laptop, is pretty outstanding.

2. Classes can literally take place anywhere!
I’ve had the opportunity to take online courses in the past, and it’s a pretty amazing experience. Being able to “check in” to class when my schedule allows, participating in class discussions via a message board or forum, and e-mailing your teacher weekly assignments really made me understand how far the educational world has come since computer use in schools and homes become the norm. While there will always be something to be said for sitting in an actual class and meeting with your teacher and classmates in person, it’s hard to rival the convenience and versatility of an online class.

1. A world of information is literally at your fingertips.
The fact is that computers have allowed us to learn more quickly, efficiently, and have even made learning more fun and interactive. It doesn’t stop when you get done with school, you can learn anything while never leaving your home computer! Whether you need to change the brakes on your car, find a great new recipe for dinner, research different colleges, or even find a physics tutor, you can do so now, and it’s easier than ever. It’s hard to imagine doing without the assistance of computers and a tutor, especially when it comes to being a student.