How Online Grinds Are Improving Education In Ireland

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Education in Ireland has changed more in the last few years than in the previous decade. One of the biggest and most noticeable changes is the rise of online grinds. These lessons, once almost always done face-to-face, are now happening through video calls, shared online notes, digital whiteboards, and interactive learning tools. Students, parents, and teachers are discovering that learning online can be just as effective—sometimes even better—than traditional grind classes.
This article explains how online grinds are transforming Irish education, why students are choosing them, and what they mean for the future of learning in Ireland. The language is kept simple and clear so that anyone can understand the ideas behind this growing trend.
1. What Are Online Grinds?
In Ireland, “grinds” simply means extra lessons outside school. These lessons help students improve in subjects they find difficult or prepare for major exams like the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate. Traditionally, "grinds" meant going to someone’s home or a tuition center. However, with better technology ...
... and wider internet access, many students are now choosing to take grinds online instead of in person.
Online grinds involve a tutor teaching through video calls and using tools like screen-sharing, digital notes, and virtual whiteboards. Students can join lessons from their bedroom, kitchen table, or anywhere with a quiet space.
2. Why Are Irish Students Moving to Online Learning?
There are several reasons why students in Ireland are switching to online learning options.
a. Convenience and Comfort
The biggest advantage is convenience. Students no longer have to travel across town or wait for a tutor to arrive. Lessons can happen at home, making the whole experience faster, easier, and more comfortable. For busy students, this means more time to study and less time wasted travelling.
b. More Choice of Tutors
Before online platforms, students could only choose tutors in their local area. If you lived in a small town or rural part of Ireland, you might have had only one or two tutors available. Now, with online tutoring in Ireland, students have a much wider range of tutors. They can find tutors who specialize in particular exam papers, topics, or learning styles. This means students can get help from the best tutor for their needs, not just the closest one.
c. Flexibility in Scheduling
Online grinds often offer more flexible times. Many tutors provide evening or weekend slots that suit the student’s schedule, which is especially useful for those preparing for the Leaving Cert. Balancing study, school, hobbies, and rest becomes much easier.
d. Better Use of Technology
Online lessons use modern tools that make learning more engaging. Tutors can share notes instantly, use interactive quizzes, draw diagrams, and replay worked examples. A math grind online might use digital graphing tools, geometry software, or step-by-step problem-solving demonstrations that make complicated concepts easier to understand.
3. The Rise of Leaving Cert Grinds Online
The Leaving Certificate is one of the most important exams in a student’s life. Because of the pressure and competition for college places, many students seek extra help. In recent years, Leaving Cert grinds have become hugely popular online.
Online Leaving Cert tutors often provide past exam paper solutions, prediction guides, timing strategies, and revision notes. Many students find this incredibly helpful because they can replay recorded explanations or revisit shared notes. This allows them to learn at their own pace and review difficult topics as often as needed.
For subjects like math, Irish, English, biology, and chemistry, online platforms now offer full courses designed specifically to support Leaving Cert students throughout the school year.
4. How Online Grinds Improve Learning
a. One-to-One Attention
Students often feel shy asking questions in a busy classroom. Online grinds create a safe space where the student can ask anything, repeat a topic, or slow down the lesson. This personalized attention is one of the biggest strengths of online grinds.
b. Rewatching Lessons
Some tutors record parts of the lesson or provide summary videos. Students can rewatch these during revision, which improves memory, understanding, and confidence. Traditional in-person grinds rarely offer this.
c. Organized Notes and Tools
Most online tutoring platforms include built-in note systems, PDFs, digital flashcards, and exam question banks. For example, a math grind might include step-by-step notes on algebra, trigonometry, or calculus that the student can keep for revision.
d. Improved Confidence
Because lessons are more personalized and flexible, many students feel more comfortable and relaxed. A calm learning environment often leads to better results and greater confidence in exams.
5. Benefits for Parents
Parents in Ireland are also finding online grinds helpful. Not only do online classes reduce travel time and cost, but they also allow parents to monitor progress more easily. Many platforms send lesson reports, test results, or updates after each session. This gives parents a clear view of how their child is doing.
Additionally, online grinds often cost less than traditional face-to-face lessons. With more tutors available and no travel fees, prices can be more competitive.
6. How Online Tutoring Works in Ireland
Online tutoring in Ireland usually follows a simple process:

Choose a tutor based on subject, experience, and reviews.

Book a lesson time that suits the student’s schedule.

Join the session online through a secure link or platform.

Use tools like screen-sharing, notes, and digital whiteboards during the lesson.

Receive feedback or homework at the end of the class.

Many students also join group classes for exam preparation. These classes are usually cheaper and offer a sense of community, where students can learn from each other’s questions.
7. Popular Subjects for Online Grinds
In Ireland, certain subjects are especially popular for online grinds:

Math—The most common, as many students find it challenging and benefit from step-by-step explanations.

Irish and English—Help with essay writing, comprehension, and language skills, especially at higher levels.

Science Subjects – Biology, Chemistry, and Physics often use visual demonstrations and experiments online.

Languages—Spanish, French, and German tutors help with grammar, oral exams, and reading skills.

8. How Online Grinds Support Rural Students
Ireland has many rural areas where finding a local tutor can be difficult. Online grinds remove this problem entirely. Students in small towns, islands, or remote areas now have equal access to high-quality education as students in Dublin, Cork, or Galway. This change is helping to close the educational gap and giving every student an opportunity to succeed.
9. Challenges of Online Grinds
Of course, online grinds are not perfect. Some students may struggle with:

Poor internet connection

Difficulty concentrating at home

Lack of a quiet space

Less face-to-face interaction

However, most of these challenges can be managed with good planning, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and a regular study area.
10. The Future of Online Grinds in Ireland
Online learning is here to stay. As technology continues to improve, online grinds will likely become even more common. Features like AI-powered learning tools, interactive simulations, and digital exam predictions will help students prepare better than ever.
Many schools may also start working more closely with online tutoring providers. This could create a system where school learning and online grinds support each other, giving students a stronger and more personalized education.
Conclusion
Online grinds have changed education in Ireland in a meaningful and lasting way. They offer flexibility, choice, comfort, and better access to expert tutors. Whether it’s for routine help or intense exam preparation like Leaving Cert grinds, students now have powerful tools available from home.
As more Irish families explore online grinds and discover the benefits of online tutoring, the future of education in Ireland is becoming more open, more connected, and more supportive of every student’s needs.

My name is Michel Marsin and i work full time as a freelance writer, editor former social worker. I am passionate about writing articles on different topics.