Smart Tutoring: Tech-Powered Learning Sessions
Launching a tutoring marketplace is generally straightforward; however, achieving substantial growth frequently presents significant challenges. Successful tutoring marketplaces depend on a reliable network of tutors who possess both the capacity and understanding to effectively support students with diverse learning preferences, objectives, and levels of understanding. This complexity indicates that rapid expansion isn’t always reliable and can potentially lead edtech companies into a common marketplace pitfall: struggling to maintain consistent growth while simultaneously guaranteeing positive results.
However, the events of 2020 demonstrated to the edtech industry that there is considerable demand for readily available and accessible assistance. To succeed in the evolving landscape following the pandemic, the industry must explore more expansive strategies for reaching a larger student base in a both efficient and intelligent manner.
Recent advancements from companies like Quizlet, Chegg, Course Hero, and Brainly suggest that the future of tutoring may extend beyond traditional 30-minute video sessions on platforms like Zoom or Google Hangouts. Contemporary supplemental learning could instead involve AI-driven chatbots, interactive calculation tools, or other technologies that are less conspicuous.
In any case, the increasing prominence of tutoring bots compared to traditional marketplaces demonstrates that key leaders within the edtech space are fundamentally re-evaluating conventional tutoring methods, with the aim of accelerating growth through these changes.
The businesses driving the change
Chegg will be discontinuing its independent tutoring platform on January 31st, integrating its features into a live chatbot designed to respond to student inquiries. According to a company representative, this transition from a tutoring marketplace to a chat-based interface will enable Chegg to “significantly distinguish itself from competitors and provide enhanced support to students.”
The company stated, “Since the launch of Chegg Tutors in 2014, we’ve observed the considerable impact of synchronous tutoring on student learning.” They also noted, “Our experience has shown that students primarily require assistance that is directly integrated into their learning process and relevant to their specific context.”
The decision to close the marketplace does not necessarily indicate a lack of success; the company reports that live tutoring never constituted a major portion of its overall business. However, Chegg determined that the potential for growth in a chatbot-driven approach was greater than continuing to connect students and tutors in real-time. This direction also aligns with Chegg’s focus on self-paced learning. CEO Dan Rosensweig was not available for a statement.
As Chegg develops its new strategy, Quizlet has been refining its student tutoring methods for over three years through a feature called Quizlet Learn.
Quizlet Learn aims to replicate the experience of working with a human tutor in a digital format. The tool begins by asking students to define their learning objectives, then evaluates their current understanding of the material. Based on this assessment, Quizlet creates a personalized study plan to help students achieve their goals. Throughout the learning process, Quizlet Learn continuously monitors student performance to identify areas of difficulty and track progress.
“If students each had a dedicated personal tutor, their academic results would likely improve,” explains Quizlet CEO Matthew Glotzbach. “However, providing individual tutors for everyone is impractical, excessively time-consuming, and financially prohibitive.”
Quizlet leveraged its extensive data on flashcard sets and questions to train natural language processing tools to anticipate potential student responses. This application of artificial intelligence provides the company with increased adaptability in recognizing various correct answers to the same question.
“While it doesn’t yet, and likely won’t for some time, substitute for a human tutor, it can offer guidance, point students in the right direction, and help them focus their efforts effectively,” he said. “Even simply assisting students with goal setting is a crucial element of learning.”
Quizlet Learn is currently the company’s most utilized service.
Further evidence of the demand for quick and efficient question-and-answer resources can be seen in the growth of Brainly, a homework assistance platform, which expanded from 150 million users in 2019 to 350 million in 2020 and secured $80 million in funding for U.S. expansion in December. Additionally, Course Hero acquired Symbolabs, a mathematical equation solver, to enhance its own Q&A capabilities.
“Developing this capability requires considerable time and effort,” says Course Hero CEO Andrew Grauer. “The focus is on delivering not only the correct answer, but also accurate, step-by-step solutions that are genuinely helpful.”
What implications does this hold for early-stage startups?
The anticipated prevalence of chatbot tutors hinges on the continued growth of independent learning approaches. However, two potential challenges exist within the current landscape of innovation.
Firstly, certain students benefit more from immediate assistance rather than prolonged discussion and exploration of a subject. Consider younger students, for instance, who may have experienced learning setbacks during the pandemic due to unfamiliarity with remote learning platforms like Zoom. A chatbot may not be suitable for students requiring specialized support or those who need more individualized guidance. Quizlet enjoys widespread use among a significant portion of U.S. high school students, while Chegg primarily serves adult learners. The unique requirements of these groups may prioritize efficiency over personalized one-on-one instruction.
Secondly, rapid tutoring solutions are best suited to particular academic areas. According to Matt Burr, CEO and co-founder of Nomadic, not all learning necessitates a personal approach, particularly in subjects with definitive correct answers.
“If a mathematical equation is misunderstood, we can direct the student back to relevant material for review and clarification,” Burr stated. “However, subjects like effective communication or maintaining motivation during challenging times, such as a pandemic, require a more nuanced conversation.”
As larger edtech companies concentrate on faster question-and-answer tutoring models, this could create competitive pressure for early-stage startups whose primary offering is tutoring. Numerous tutoring marketplaces have previously ceased operations due to difficulties in attracting customers, stimulating demand, or demonstrating positive results.
Privately held startups that remain optimistic about tutoring marketplace models must distinguish themselves by identifying and serving users who require substantial support.
Juni Learning, a seed-stage startup connecting students with math and science tutors, exemplifies this approach. It positions itself as providing a comprehensive solution encompassing the platform, curriculum, and instructor details. Furthermore, it utilizes dashboards to track student attendance and proactively contacts students who miss classes to ensure their well-being. Vivian Shen previously explained to TechCrunch that these deeper integrations provide a competitive edge and foster platform loyalty.
In the current tutoring market, platforms cannot simply act as intermediaries taking a percentage of the fee; they must offer comprehensive, intelligent, and responsive services.
