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How media rich learning is replacing the need for traditional tutoring (and making learning way more fun)

Written by Tyrone Staben | 27/03/2025

Remember the days when struggling with a tricky math problem meant waiting hours (or even days) for help? Either you’d have to book time with a tutor, ask a teacher the next day, or—if you were really desperate—call up a friend who was “good at math” (and hope they actually were). Well, those days are disappearing fast. Now, with media rich learning tools, help is available instantly. AI tutors, interactive videos, and gamified learning apps are stepping in to provide personalised, engaging, and scalable support—often eliminating the need for traditional one-on-one tutoring.

Let’s unpack how this shift is happening (and why it’s actually a great thing for learners everywhere).

AI tutors: Personalised learning at scale

One of the biggest advantages of media rich learning? AI tutors that adapt to individual learners.

Think of it like having a 24/7 tutor who never gets tired, never cancels last-minute, and always knows exactly where you're struggling.

For example, AI-powered platforms can now detect when a student is stuck on an algebra concept and provide targeted hints in real time. That kind of personalised guidance used to require a human tutor. Now? It’s built right into the software, available to anyone with an internet connection.

And it works.

A Stanford study found that students using AI tutors learned twice as much in less time compared to those in a traditional class. Even better? They reported feeling more engaged and motivated (Stanford AI Tutoring Study).

Imagine getting instant, tailored explanations for your toughest academic challenges—without scheduling conflicts or costly fees.

Interactive content: The new “tutor” in disguise

Media rich learning isn’t just about AI tutors. Interactive videos, educational games, and simulations are stepping in as engaging, effective alternatives to traditional tutoring.

Think about a typical tutoring session: a tutor explains a concept, asks you questions, and checks if you understand. Well, interactive videos do exactly that, but digitally. They pause to ask comprehension questions, offer multiple-choice paths, and make sure learners are actively engaged—not just zoning out.

And it works. Research shows interactive video lessons significantly boost student engagement and learning outcomes (Journal of Computer Science Advancements).

Then there’s gamified learning, which takes engagement to a whole new level. If you’ve ever used Duolingo, you know how addictive learning can become when you’re earning points, unlocking levels, and competing against friends.

Here’s the wild part: a study found that 34 hours on Duolingo can teach as much as an entire college semester of language classes (Duolingo Study). That’s right—gamified learning is now that effective.

For science and history, interactive simulations are making complex topics come alive. Instead of needing a tutor to demonstrate a physics principle, students can experiment virtually. Instead of struggling with dry history textbooks, they can step inside a historical moment through immersive storytelling.

It’s engaging. It’s accessible. And, often, it eliminates the need for extra tutoring.

Accessibility: Scaling high-quality media rich learning for everyone

One of the best things about rich media? It’s scalable and accessible.

Not every student can afford a private tutor. Not every school has enough staff to offer one-on-one support. But an AI tutor, a high-quality interactive video, or a gamified learning platform?

That can reach millions of students at little to no cost.

Take Khan Academy—a free, on-demand learning platform that’s helped students worldwide. Multiple studies confirm that Khan Academy users see higher test scores, often equivalent to those who received extra tutoring (Khan Academy Research).

The best part? Rich media allows students to learn at their own pace. They can rewatch videos, replay game levels, and keep practicing until they get it—without needing to schedule a tutoring session.

So, does this mean tutoring is dead?

Not exactly. Rich media isn’t here to replace teachers or tutors—it’s here to reduce over-reliance on them.

Instead of spending hours with a tutor on repetitive explanations, students can use interactive tools to master foundational skills independently. Then, when they do need human support, their time with a tutor or teacher is more focused and productive.

It’s a win-win.

What this means for learning design

As educators and learning designers, the challenge now isn’t whether to integrate rich media—it’s how to do it effectively.

We need to:

✔️ Create engaging educational content that keeps learners motivated.
✔️ Leverage AI-driven tools for personalised learning experiences.
✔️ Use interactive formats that actively involve students in their own learning journey.

And that’s exactly where Oppida comes in.

We specialise in creating cutting-edge eLearning experiences, particularly in educational video production.

Let’s supercharge your learning projects and make education more engaging, scalable, and effective than ever.

Contact Oppida today—because the future of learning is already here.