In Nashua, students are getting expert advice on their homework at the public library.
And they’re doing it remotely using only a library card…..and a computer.
NHPR Correspondent Sheryl Rich-Kern reports.
Nashua’s public library was first in the state to offer fourth through twelfth grade students online help with their homework.
Kids can get tutoring in math, science, social studies, and English by logging on to the library's website.
Once online, they interact with graduate students and college professors
Brian: you’ll type in hi, and they’ll be like hi
Brian Doneghy [don-eh-ghee] is 13 years old and in the eighth grade.
It’s seven in the evening on a Tuesday night. (paper shuffling) Brian pulls items from his backpack and sits by the computer in the family room.
Brian: I’m talking to my tutor for the first time (typing in background) I’m telling him what he can help me with (more typing) I’m opening up my book, opening up to the questions and then I will ask him the first question. What are geocentric and heliocentric systems… (fade out)
Brian works on his science homework questions with his online tutor.
The tutor gives his name only as Jeremy B.
Brian's mom, Kristy Donaghe, says the system is a welcome reprieve from nightly battles over homework.
Kristy: With two kids, and trying to do two home works, fifth and eighth grade level, some nights are very hectic and you’re out of patience at ten o’clock.
George Cigale is CEO and founder of tutor.com, the company that developed the system.
He says he's found that kids often respond better to anonymous unseen experts.
George: 3:45 Kids are scared of asking questions in class. They don’t want to look too dumb, or too smart. They don’t have to worry about social barriers.
And as for parents worries that something inappropriate may happen during these online tutoring sessions, Cigale guarantees safety.
He says the tutors are carefully screened.
And in case someone slips through the cracks, the system has a backup.
George: 3:00 Every session is recorded for quality control. It provides so much more security than parents usually have. We can see the entire back and forth.
Kristy Donaghe says the faceless exchange may have benefits.
But she also acknowledges that the system's not perfect.
The tutors can't see the book and don't have a history of what the student has covered.
And then there's the fact that all the communication is done through typing.
Kristy: They can only give back as much information as you give. If you’re not presenting a clear idea or question, it’s harder for them to answer.
Despite a few drawbacks, Library Director Joe Dionne likes that kids have options.
They can use the system from home or come into the library.
And it's available during after school hours until 11pm.
Dionne has received support from teachers, especially those in districts hoping to improve their test scores.
Dionne: So we expect a lot of the youngsters to use it will use it great advantage and it will be the only opportunity they will have to get assistance with schoolwork.
Tthe program is costing the library $13,000 a year.
And Dionne say that whether the service is worth the price depends on how many students use it.
Dionne: Remember, this company is engaging real people, real tutors to spend up to 20 minutes or more with our students when they bring them a question. It averages about half what it costs to hire a tutor to spend the equivalent amount of time with your youngster.
On average about 170 students a month use the system through the Nashua library.
And it’s been a huge boon for students who don't speak English.
They can find tutors who speak different languages to help them with math and science.
Still, this is a probationary year for the system in Nashua.
The library has to determine by this time next year if online tutoring is worth the cost.
In the meantime, students in Keene will soon get access to professional tutors over the Internet.
That city just signed up this fall.
For NHPR News, I’m Sheryl Rich-Kern.
