Academic Tutoring as a Support Strategy in Distance Education: Monitoring, Performance, and Technological Advances in 2024

Abstract

This research explores the strategic role of academic tutoring in distance education, with a particular focus on the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEMéx). Academic tutoring has become a central mechanism for promoting student retention, academic performance, and personalized support. The study applies a qualitative and documentary approach, reviewing institutional reports, internal regulations, and academic literature from 2020 to 2024 to understand the evolution and current impact of tutoring programs in virtual education. The UAEMéx Institutional Academic Tutoring Program (ProInsTA) and the Intelligent Tutoring System (SITA 2.0) represent the core of the university’s strategy to improve academic outcomes and reduce dropout rates. These systems offer structured support throughout students’ academic trajectories and are reinforced by continuous training and monitoring of tutors. The research also includes an analysis of international experiences involving hybrid human–AI tutoring models, such as Tutor CoPilot and early warning systems, which enhance personalization and efficiency in academic monitoring.  Findings indicate that effective academic tutoring significantly contributes to educational continuity and student satisfaction. Moreover, the tutor’s role has expanded beyond academic advising to include emotional support, technological mediation, and guidance on academic planning. This multifaceted function is critical in digital learning ecosystems, where students often face isolation, demotivation, or lack of structure. The study concludes that ongoing tutor training, institutional recognition of their role, and the integration of emerging technologies are key to improving the quality and sustainability of distance education. UAEMéx serves as a case study for institutions seeking to innovate and strengthen their virtual education systems through structured, human-centered, and technologically supported tutoring strategies.