TLC Online Math Tutoring
Online (Math) Tutoring and Learning Center
The TLC offers online mathematics tutoring for OTC students enrolled up to and including MTH 130. Students can get a live tutor online during the hours listed below or, for a delayed response; can post a question 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact the Online Tutoring and Learning Center at TLConline@otc.edu with any questions.
How to Get Online Math Tutoring
If you are enrolled in up to or including MTH 130 at OTC you should already have a link for online tutoring in your Blackboard courses.
- Log into Blackboard.
- Locate and Click on the "Online Tutoring and Learning Center" link listed within your Blackboard courses.
- Familiarize yourself with the site layout and read the entire Users Guide, located in "Resources", before you begin with online tutoring.
- In order to participate in live online tutoring at the hours listed below click on the "Wimba Classroom" link found under "Tutoring Room". First time users will go through a once only, short series of computer checks before actually entering the online tutoring room.
- OR students can type a question in the "Question Board" to be answered by a mathematics tutor within a day or two.
Online (Math) Tutoring and Learning Hours Spring 2012
| Monday - Thursday |
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm |
| Friday |
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm |
| Saturday | 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
|
Online WRITING tutoring is also available at OTC... click here to learn more about the Writing Center. |
|
User Guide
What is the Online Tutoring & Learning Center (TLC)?
The Online TLC is a pilot project that is being offered beginning Spring 2009. It will begin with math tutoring, but other subjects may be added in the future. As it is a pilot project, we ask that you please be patient with us. We are learning what works and what does not work as students learn.
Who has access to the Online TLC? How much does it cost?
All OTC students who are currently enrolled in the subjects offered can use the Online TLC. These students could be Main Campus students, online students, Waynesville students, or any students from any OTC campus. There is no cost involved, with the possible exception of purchasing equipment.
Is this a class? How did it appear on my Blackboard?
This is not a class. It is on your Blackboard because you are in a class that we are currently tutoring online. You do not receive a grade here.
What different kinds of tutoring are there?
There is synchronous (the tutor and you are online at the same time) and asynchronous (you post a question that is answered later by a tutor) tutoring available. Synchronous tutoring is delivered through a chat room called Wimba. Asynchronous tutoring is delivered through a discussion board interface called the Question Board.
Currently, offer tutoring for MTH 040 (Pre-Algebra), MTH 050 (Basic Algebra), MTH 110 (Intermediate Algebra) and MTH 130 (College Algebra). More course and/or subjects may be added in the future.
What equipment and materials do I need to get tutoring?
To use the Question Board (or asynchronous tutoring), there is no equipment required beyond a computer with internet access. You post your question, and receive an answer, generally within 48 hours.
To use the chat room (or synchronous tutoring), a student will need the ability to talk and be heard in the chat room. That will require one of two things:
- A headset with microphone. This is the preferred method. A headset will cost you approximately $20 at our bookstore (but you can get one at any local retailer, make sure to get a headset with microphone). This will easily allow you to hear the tutor and be able to explain the difficulties you are having with your homework.
- A phone with free long distance. If you cannot get a headset, there is a substitute solution. You log in through blackboard, but you use the telephone for your audio portion. This is a long distance number: (201) 549-7592. When you dial it, please enter the PIN 89501709. When you successfully connect, type in the chat portion (to the lower left) that you are using the telephone.
The first time that you log in from any computer you will need to run the Wizard. When you click “enter the room”, it will ask you to run the Wizard. You only need to do this the first time you enter the room from any one specific computer (though running it additional times will not cause harm). This Wizard checks the compatibility of your computer to the software. After your initial time, when the screen comes up, there is a link at the bottom that says to “click here” if you do not need to run the wizard.
In order to use The Online Tutoring & Learning Center, you need to set your computer’s resolution to 1024 x 768 or higher. When entering the chat room, please maximize the window. DO NOT, at any time, resize your window after the chat room has loaded. This will cause the program to resize things, and will most likely result in you being unable to see all of the information.
It is suggested that you use a high-speed connection when connecting to the chat room (Cable, DSL, etc.). This is not required but will make it load faster.
As in all tutoring, it is necessary to have your book and notes from class at hand. This is the only way you can get the help you need for your class.
What if I need technical help?
If you need help with your headset, Blackboard, or other problems not directly relating to the Wimba chat room, you should contact OTC’s wonderful Help Desk staff. They can be contacted by e-mail (helpdesk@otc.edu) or by phone (417-447-7548).
If you need help for the chat room itself, you can contact Wimba (the company that makes it). Please enter the following into your web browser: http://67.202.211.93/help/roboindex.pl. You can also call them via (866) 350-4978, but contact through their website is preferred.
If you need help relating to the tutoring itself, please e-mail tlconline@otc.edu. This could include comments about the tutoring capabilities, suggestions for improvement, and/or any feedback.
You are allowed to ask any questions pertaining to the subjects being tutored. Please understand that the tutors will not just answer your question. They will attempt to help you understand your difficulties with the material. They may also help you prepare for a test, demonstrate study strategies, or discuss relevant course material. Tutors may not do your homework, discuss individual instructors, or socially visit with you or others while tutoring.
Be aware that your questions in the chat room can be heard by others currently in the room, and your posts on the Question Board can be read by others who log in. There is no expectation of privacy.
What if I don’t want to be enrolled in the Online Tutoring & Learning Center?
If you feel you would not benefit from this service, nor do you want to have access to it, simply do the following and you will no longer be involved.
- Click the My Institution tab on Blackboard.
- Next to My Courses, click the Modify button (looks like a pencil).
- On the line that says Online Tutoring & Learning Center, uncheck all boxes.
- Click submit at the bottom.
- Click the My Courses tab on Blackboard.
- Next to Course List, there is a Modify button (looks like a pencil).
- On the line that says Online Tutoring & Learning Center, uncheck all boxes.