© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute Charting the Course: Online Tutoring Guidelines Kathe Pelletier Director, University Learning Resources Capella University February 2008

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute2 Agenda We’ll discuss: Institutional Preparation Establishing Expectations Tutoring Process Tutor Training

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute3 Institutional Preparation Prior to launching an online tutoring program, institutions will complete the research necessary to determine: 1.“Cultural truths” of the institution 2.Core principles of tutoring and learning of the institution 3.Institutional stakeholders 4.Objectives/tutoring model 5.Target audience 6.Online needs 7.Resources (technical, human) 8.Funding 9.Potential partnerships with vendors 10.Governance of the tutoring program 11.Marketing/communication plan

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute4 Institutional Preparation 1.“Cultural truths” of the institution 2.Core principles of tutoring and learning of the institution 3.Institutional stakeholders

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute5 Institutional Preparation 4.Objectives/tutoring model 5.Target audience

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute6 Institutional Preparation 6.Online needs 7.Resources (technical, human) 8.Funding 9.Potential partnerships with vendors

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute7 Institutional Preparation 10.Governance of the tutoring program

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute8 Institutional Preparation 11.Marketing/communication plan

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute9 Institutional Preparation Once institutions complete this process, they should have a clear idea of goals and objectives that will help them choose the best delivery system for their context, locate resources, and launch a successful tutoring program.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute10 Establishing Expectations Establishing expectations is essential: For students For tutors For faculty

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute11 Establishing Expectations The institution will provide information for students establishing expectations for online tutoring. This information will be published online or available to students on campus, if applicable, and will include: Expectations of student responsibility Technical requirements Format of tutoring (synchronous, asynchronous) and tutoring process within each format Hours of availability Expected turn-around time

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute12 Establishing Expectations The institution will provide information and training to tutors, including both an initial training session and ongoing training for further development.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute13 Establishing Expectations Faculty will be informed of both tutor and student expectations, and will be informed of the technology being used.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute14 Tutoring Process Maintaining the same standards and best practices for face to face tutoring, online clients - whether meeting synchronously or asynchronously - will not simply be given answers. Instead, online tutoring will mirror the active, collaborative learning processes used in traditional tutoring.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute15 Tutoring Process The tutor's responsibility is to: Help clarify concepts Help clients understand the problem Teach clients how to solve the problem and provide tools to help clients succeed in class Respond in a timely manner.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute16 Tutoring Process Tutors will: Check clients' work to see if they understand content and the basic process of solving problems Solve an example problem, going through all the steps in the process Explain the concepts behind the problems submitted. Tutors will not: Grade work or tell clients what grade they will get Solve multiple problems from the same exercise.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute17 Tutoring Process Tutors may use the following techniques to help clients: Provide formulas, theorems, or concepts that are needed to solve the problem Break the problem down into steps to make the problem easier to understand and solve Explain or help clarify a concept that is not understood Identify where a mistake was made & how to correct it Refer to an example in the text that is similar to the problem

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute18 Tutoring Process  Tutors may also guide the client to contact the instructor for clarification of expectations, where appropriate.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute19 Tutoring Process Tutors will follow and encourage appropriate netiquette to ensure professional and respectful online communication. Basics include: Be professional and careful with online interactions Capitalize words only to highlight a point or for titles- capitalizing otherwise is generally viewed as SHOUTING It is fine to use humor, but use it carefully. The absence of face-to-face cues can cause humor to be misinterpreted as criticism or flaming.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute20 Tutor Training In addition to your foundational tutor training, there are some additional elements to include when preparing tutors for the online environment.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute21 Tutor Training All electronic exchanges between tutors and students will be saved and archived to ensure that goals, objectives and expectations of the tutoring program are being met. Both students and tutors will be made aware of this.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute22 Tutor Training The institution will provide information and training to tutors, covering: Tutor requirements and responsibilities Technical requirements Format of tutoring (synchronous, asynchronous) and tutoring process within each format Expectations for respect, confidentiality, and academic integrity, specifically within the online environment Online communication strategies Collaborative learning strategies and processes Simulated tutoring exchanges will also be included in tutor training.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute23 Tutor Training Tutors will be regularly evaluated by supervisors, and clients will have a mechanism to submit feedback about tutoring sessions. Ongoing training for tutors will be provided based on this feedback.

© 2007 Capella University - Confidential - Do not distribute24 Conclusion Good luck!