The Efficacy of Online Tutoring: Why It’s Not the Same as Virtual School

TLDR (Read Time: 4 min)

A parent recently told me, “My child learns better in person, and virtual school during the pandemic was awful.”

I don’t disagree. At the same time, it’s worth considering the opportunity cost of driving to a weekly tutoring session and acknowledging how strong today’s online tutoring tools have become. It’s also important to separate virtual school from online tutoring.

Online tutoring is not the same as virtual school. While virtual school was a pandemic-era solution that often felt passive and impersonal, today’s online tutoring is highly interactive, focused, and tailored to each student. With tools like Lessonspace and trained tutors who set clear expectations, online tutoring is just as effective as in-person sessions for many learners.

Online Tutoring ≠ Virtual School

One of the most common questions we hear from parents is:

“Isn’t online tutoring just another version of virtual school?”

The answer? Absolutely not.

At Clayborne, we’ve seen virtually no difference in effectiveness between in-person and online tutoring. In fact, online sessions offer unique advantages that traditional in-person setups can’t match, especially when the right tools and structure are in place.

While virtual school was a one-size-fits-all necessity during the pandemic, online tutoring is:

• One-on-one
• Interactive
• Tailored to the student
• Conducted by highly trained tutors 

And the best part? No driving required, so consider the opportunity cost.

Tools That Make Online Tutoring Work

Let’s talk tech.

We use Lessonspace, an advanced online platform that allows:

• Shared graph paper and whiteboards
• Real-time annotation on PDFs
• Integration with Desmos for graphing and math modeling
• Simultaneous student-tutor interaction on the same screen

These features go far beyond the typical screen-sharing tools used in virtual school. Lessonspace enables an interactive and dynamic learning environment that keeps students engaged and gives tutors the flexibility to teach effectively.

When used well, these tools turn a screen into a shared workspace and not a barrier.

Tackling Screen Distractions (The Right Way)

We understand the concern: “Aren’t screens distracting?”

They can be. But our approach minimizes that risk. Every Clayborne tutor:

• Sets expectations from the start
• Keeps focus locked on the Lessonspace window
• Encourages engagement with frequent check-ins
• Asks students to mute phones and close extra tabs

It’s not about eliminating screens, but rather, it’s about using them intentionally. With structure and guidance, students stay present and productive.

What About Neurodivergent Students?

We recognize that some students, especially those who are highly neurodivergent, may respond better to in-person learning. And that’s okay.

However, we encourage parents not to write off online tutoring entirely. For many neurodiverse learners, the predictability and structure of an online environment (without physical distractions) can actually be beneficial.

Every student is different. The key is finding what works best and not assuming one format fits all.

Final Thoughts: Flexibility + Focus = Online Tutoring Success

Online tutoring isn’t a fallback. It’s a powerful, modern way to help students thrive.

With the right tools, trained educators, and a focus on engagement, online tutoring offers:

• Personalized instruction 
• Seamless tech integration 
• Flexibility for busy families 
• A learning environment that fits today’s students