Virtual Platforms and Methods of Learning Online tutoring answers the learning concerns of several students and anxiety of those parents who are unable to organize for appropriate tutoring help. Online tutoring happens in the virtual environment where teachers and learners are separated by space for sure and by time occasionally. Methodologies adopted and facilities offered as part of the online tutoring are improving constantly. Appropriate infra structure, Internet connection with good band width and knowledgeable tutor are the basic requirements. However, the most presumed aspect of the online tutoring is a self-motivated and independent learner. This is a scenario where the student’s readiness to learn outweighs the Teacher’s ability to transfer the knowledge. The quality of the tutoring cannot be vouched by the companies, despite the fact that they recruit the tutors after appropriate filtering. Prices range between about $30 to $60 an hour and are relatively economical when compared to the charges of tutors in person. The facility to avail the tutoring services as and when required makes it more attractive compared to a long term arrangement.Many students who availed the services respond saying that despite their initial apprehensions they have had very positive experiences of learning. Parents also are happy with their return of investment with the services. And also feel that quick help to fix the home work of the children creates stress free and peaceful atmosphere at home. Quite a few companies are in the business of online tutoring with minor distinctions in the services being offered. It has become very easy, relatively economical and convenient to order a tutor to clarify regarding any given topic. These services are made available round the clock and in all possible subjects from school level to PG level to technology know how. Organizations with experience in education technologies, learning methods and technical expertise are in the fray offering competitive services in this domain. A fine blend of technology and educational values make a crucial difference as imparting education goes hand in hand with adding human values to the learner. MGRM Net Limited an IT product company supported by extensive research in the Education Domain is offering similar services. Tutoring, be it face to face or virtual, needs to establish group or peer learning facility. Facilitating group interaction with guidance from the tutor is possible by using the right kind of Learning Support Platforms. It is a common practice to use open source learning management systems or Virtual Learning Environments such as Moodle, Sakai, WebCT, Blackboard. However Learning platforms developed based on these open sources are more users friendly and can be easily configured to suit the specific needs of the organizations offering online tutoring services. MGRM Net’s M-StarTM Learning Support Platform is one such product that offers excellent features and high levels of customization opportunities. Online Tutoring initiated the revolution of virtual learning and virtual management of educational as well. Several e-Learning courses and platforms have entered the market providing competitive services to the learners. State and Central Governments of many countries have been using e-Governance in Education domain to ensure equal opportunities to all learners. Schools, Colleges and Universities of various categories also have been adopting Educational Expert Systems that offer integrated solutions to
all their needs. These systems give uniform benefits to all the stakeholders including school Management, Students, Staff, parents and Alumni.