Keywords
online tutoring, synchronous tutoring, best/effective practices
Abstract
Just as the mediums in which we compose have shifted throughout the millennium, the modes of evaluating student work have likewise shifted. This shift is reflected in our own experience as Graduate Assistants in our recently reached out to students whose needs cannot institution’s Writing Center. We be met through traditional face-to-face tutoring and because of this inability to meet via face-to-face, our online tutoring numbers have nearly tripled past two years. To remain effective, our Writing Center has had to equip tutors with the practical skills needed to work effectively in a digital environment. In particular, tutors are being trained to work in email and BlackBoard Collaborate appointments that involve screen-sharing, web-cam technology, “chat” functions, and embedding comments directly into assignments. While these tutoring alternatives offer benefits to both the student and tutor, they call for practices different from those used in the traditional face-to-face tutoring session. Fortunately with change comes growth. The increase in online tutoring allows for more students to use our academic support services.
Citation Information
Type of Source: Newsletter Article
Authors: Rachel Dortin, Stephanie Ries
Year of Publication: 2015
Title: “From Behind the Screen: Best Practices for Online Tutoring” (available online)
Publication: East Central Writing Centers Association (ECWCA) Newsletter
Page Range: 6-8