1. Module 2.4

2.  Understand strategies for tutoring online students.  Become familiar with strategies for online tutoring.  Learn about Smarthinking/eTutoring and how it may benefit students.  Learn about MySkillsTutor and how it may benefit students.

3.  Tutors must remember that online classes are a completely different environment for many students.  A different set of study skills and strategies are required for classes that contain an online component.  Tutors should address these differences with the tutee and find ways to adapt.

4.  Understand that each tutee is an individual with their own learning style.  Utilize the CAPSOL test in the Tutor Lab if it is at all possible and convenient for the tutee.  There are a variety of strategies for online tutoring suggested by a number of people.

5.  Time Management The most essential study strategy for academic success in an online course. Create a schedule for “attending” the session. Try to sign on the same time on the same days every week. Print the schedule of assignment due-dates and test dates. Post it in a visible place in your study area. Spend an hour a week online for each credit hour, reading the materials and participating in the class. The number of hours spent online in class increases respectively for every credit hour you are taking.

6.  Materials Needed Three-ring binder. Three hole punch. Keep copies of all lecture notes and supplemental web site materials.  Contacting the Teacher Use e-mail to “talk” to the teacher and ask questions. Call the teacher on campus if you are having problems.

7.  Participating in class You may be expected to participate in class discussions via chat rooms, blogs, or discussion boards. The instructor cannot physically see you to tell if you are being attentive or not. By asking questions and participating in discussions, you ensure the online instructor that you are paying attention.

8.  Test Taking Study for tests by referring to the text, links, and referred web sites. Assume tests taken online are open book, open note unless otherwise specified by the instructor. Proctored tests should be treated just like any other exam based on the instructor’s preference. Though you may have unlimited time, try not to spend too much time on a given problem or you may burn out before you finish the test. Be sure to carefully proofread any essay questions.

9.  Note Taking Print the lecture notes. Read then underline or highlight the main ideas and significant details. Make your own notes in the margins, summarizing the most important ideas. Make connections to other ideas discussed in class or in your own experience.

10.  Textbook Reading Use the SQ3R Method (Survey-Question-Read-Recite- Review) Survey the textbook. Read any headings, subheadings, summaries, and review questions. Look at any pictures, graphs or charts as well. Turn the subheadings into questions before you read. Read the paragraphs following the subheading to answer the question you created. Highlight the topic and main ideas of each section. At the end of each section, write the main idea in your own words. Review the textbook periodically, ideally once a week.

11.  Self Discipline The majority of class work must be completed on your own. Be disciplined enough to set aside the hours required for success in the class. It is up to you to contact the instructor if you do not understand something. Always be aware of when assignments are due.

12.  Online or “distance” learning is more difficult in some cases than face-to face learning.  Online students need to pay attention, or the course may pass them by.  A distance course is “silent” unless instructors have the time to call students who are missing in action.

13.  Prepare for the New Environment There is always a tutorial on the software used by an institution of higher learning. Take advantage of the tutorials and familiarize yourself with the online coursework. If a guide book to online course taking is recommended, buy it or check it out of the library. What you learn may save you time in the long run.

14.  Manage Your Time Time management is the number one issue that online students face. Make a schedule and post it somewhere you will see it. Check the online class web page everyday to keep up with discussions and other communication. Check the online class calendar for assignment due dates. Check your e-mail every day.

15.  Remember You Are a Social Creature Just because you are taking an online class does not mean it is just “you and your computer.” There may be other students enrolled, some of whom you will be required to interact with. Introduce yourself at the beginning of class to the instructor and other students. Be sure to e-mail the instructor if you must be gone for a few days.

16.  Read Over Your Correspondence and Do Not Send It Right Away If you become angry, frustrated, or upset, write a note in your word processing program and reread it later before sending or posting it. You cannot take back an e-mail or post once it has been sent.

17.  Watch Out for Online Burnout While enthusiasm is encouraged, too much can be a bad thing. Do not let online discussions, interactions, or correspondence consume all of your time. Take a break from the computer once in awhile to give your eyes a rest.

18.  Online tutoring is quickly becoming one of the most prominent forms of tutoring in schools today.  Online Tutoring allows anyone with internet access to be tutored.  The disadvantage is that there is no personal contact.  Effective communication is one of the biggest issues tutors will face in online tutoring.

19.  Be familiar with the software being used. A lack of familiarity can limit the effectiveness of online tutoring sessions.  Always be prepared for the session well ahead of time. Test the equipment Have all needed applications and images for sharing Be ready for any problems that may occur.

20.  This is about to change, but just in case…  The Tutoring Center currently uses Smarthinking tutors for online tutoring in subjects other than MATH and WRITING  Students must go to the Tutoring Center, either of the Newark Campus math labs, or the Extended Campus Tutor Liason to be assigned an account  Detailed instructions on how to use the Smarthinking website are available at all of these locations  Tutors can request a demonstration of Smarthinking from the Tutor Program Coordinator

21.  Students may access eTutors through the Ohio eLearning Consortium (or whatever it’s being called these days!) for MATH and WRITING ONLY  Tutors from all participating schools in Ohio form a common schedule  COTC/OSUN contribute online tutors to the schedule based on the number of hours students use  Students can access these online tutors as often as they like, and (hopefully) they will automatically be added to the authorized user database when they register for classes  Login information will (hopefully) be the same as Angel  Eventually, subjects tutored will vary based on tutors available, but there are currently synchronous (live) math tutors and asynchronous (submit a question or essay) writing and math tutors available to students

22.  Web based program to help students review fundamentals  Designed mostly for High School students, but it works for college students in some introductory classes as well  Learning Modules for Reading, Math, Writing, and Science  Allow students to strengthen skills needed to succeed in more advanced classes  Ask Tutoring Center Coordinator for more information on setting up an account www.myskillstutor.com