Directors Introduction:

Since students learn best by receiving immediate feedback, synchronous online tutoring is an ideal method. (Synchronous is defined as Internet communication where tutors and learners are connected to the network simultaneously and communicate in real time.) Since having tutors available 24/7 on each campus in all subject areas would be cost prohibitive, the next best option is to set up specific online times for specific tutors or subjects in open chatrooms or to have students make appointments with tutors for a synchronous "chat."

These chats can take place in many venues - each having advantages and disadvantages, some being: cost, ease of use, capability of tutor’s and student’s computers, tutor and student computer literacy and the enthusiasm of the Information Technology (IT) staff.

Asynchronous tutoring or some response to a student’s questions can take many forms since it is not a real time two-way communication but more of a one way question and then a one way answer. The recommended time lapse is not more than 48 hours while most centers strive for only a 24 hour turn around for a response.

Since students can use chatrooms, discussion boards and instant messaging from any source on the web, they should be encouraged to learn about the training and qualifications of the tutors and the reliability of their sources. There is an enormous difference between just receiving an answer and learning the process and working through the problems, examples or assignments.

Archiving chatroom discussions and whiteboard drawings is important for evaluation purposes. Using archives helps the director and tutor analyze the tone and conciseness of the discussion. In a face-to-face session, it is fairly easy for the tutor to know if a student does not understand and conversely, when the light bulb of understanding turns on. But for online tutors these clues are missing so the written dialogue between tutor and student becomes very important in viewing the exchange of information and the tutor’s process in drawing out knowledge from the student.

A cost effective suggestion would be to start online tutoring by tapping into some platform that the college or university already owns, even if it may have been designed for a different use. Some components will work. As the director discovers what works and what does not work for his or her tutors and school population, the director can request funding, write grants, beg or borrow to add a more ideal system that fills the particular needs for their online tutoring. Much depends of the volume of use. Documentation of the use and need is imperative in arguing the case for a system more suited for online tutoring.

Although some corporations are offering online tutoring, there are advantages to having college and university trained tutors. To begin with, they know the philosophy of the college or university and the peer tutor program as well as the student population. They will also know the teachers and their particular requirements. In addition, there is the possibility of meeting the student at some time during the semester giving a face to the written word. Most importantly, the tutors will represent the college or university in the way the program desires.

Many of the newer more sophisticated systems are now using what is called voice over IP (Internet Protocol) , which means the Internet connection is used to carry voice conversations. Since the audio uses a lot of bandwidth, it is still in its beginning stages but will soon be a standard, and expected in new systems.

Learning Center Administrators, Tutor Coordinators and Tutor Program Directors will all be generically called "director."

Prices have not been included in order to keep this manual from being quickly dated or erroneous. Current prices can easily be found by visiting the listed web sites, sending e-mails or talking to the sales representative.

Most of the programs described in this manual are ADA compatible. To be sure they are and to what degree, it is suggested that prospective users discuss this with each manufacturer.

The following sections are broadly divided into synchronous and asynchronous but many systems have components of both so they may be mentioned under each category.