Application Service Provider
Fairly new and very innovative on the online tutoring scene is AskOnline, an application service provider. AskOnline creates a web based online tutoring center and the
college/university supplies the tutors. AskOnline provides the environment that connects tutors with students both synchronously and asynchronously (discussed in the Asynchronous Section).
Chat is their real time tutoring tool. Chats can be set up for each subject offered, with each having a calendar showing available times and tutors. The Chat has both a chat (chat text) and a whiteboard (drawing canvas). The whiteboard has the basic drawing tools including freehand, line size, colors and basic shapes. Both the chat and the whiteboards are archived; in addition, tutors can save them for their own future use. Links can be created to further help the students with additional information and resources, for example animations.
It is an intuitive platform with features for both tutors and administrators to personalize the program. The administrative tools enable program directors to schedule tutoring appointments, keep track of activity online and generate pay reports.
Students, tutors and administrators get usernames and passwords to ensure security.
Another huge advantage is that AskOnline does not require any software or separate service on campus. Users simply connect to AskOnline service through their web browsers. AskOnline’s goal is for any computer connected to the Internet to be able to use their site with no student downloads or incompatibilities.
