WorldWideWhiteboard (WWWhiteboard)
NetTutor describes itself as “a revolutionary new distance learning environment for the dissemination of online content. NetTutor is a web-based graphical chat, threaded and platform independent, allowing students to use their own computers to access learning materials in a non-linear fashion or in real time with live corresponding tutors.”
NetTutor uses the World Wide Whiteboard as the primary means of communication. In the Live Classroom Center there are two modes. The Live Classroom is a many-to-many setting with a user list available showing each user in a different color, and hand raising capability. It gives the tutor/instructor the ability to allow or remove users from the chat or whiteboard. Live Tutoring is a one-to-one environment. It allows students to view current activity while they are waiting for their turn to chat with the tutor, just as in office hours with an instructor or tutor. Both use the whiteboard with special notations for math, biology, chemistry, accounting and English composition.
Other special features are: no additional hardware or software for users, 24 hour access, archived materials, keyword search, session sharing, password protection, fully functional within firewall and real time live interaction. The WorldWideWhiteboard allows loading “.jpg” and “.gif” images, screen printing, simple installation with license, and customization. While NetTutor can be integrated with any course management system, it can also stand alone. It can be set up quickly and inexpensively for one group if that fulfills the needs of the tutor program.
