Doing homework and class assignments online presents a different challenge from being in a classroom, where getting help is as easy as raising a hand. In cyberspace, making that connection for one-on-one support can be a bit harder.
Sa’Riah Walker, a seventh grader at Atlanta’s Jean Childs Young Middle school, found that out when she was at home grappling with some math problems. But through TutorATL, a free program offered by Public Broadcasting Atlanta and schools in Atlanta, Cobb and Fulton, a quick online connection brought the help she needed.
“I type in the question and the subject I need help with, and the system connects me to an online tutor,” said the 13-year-old. “We work through my questions, then they give me a ‘you do’ list, and we talk about it. There’s no time limit, so if I need to study before a test, I can take all the time I need to go through the questions.”
Walker has recommended the flexible system to her friends. “It’s improved my grades,” she said.
TutorATL has its roots in the Homework Hotline, a PBA/Atlanta Public Schools program that invited students to call in and chat with APS teachers about their assignments. In 2018, organizers began looking at alternatives, said Je-Anne Berry, PBA’s marketing and business strategy director.
“We analyzed different homework help services out there to determine what would be best to meet kids where they are in terms of devices they’re using and that would help remove the stigma of needing homework help,” said Berry. “Some found it intimidating to pick up the phone and call someone. That’s not as common for them as tapping an app.”
The research uncovered tutor.com, an online system that connects students around the clock with vetted tutors in more than 50 subjects.
“They have a network all over the country and a rigorous application process, and they’ve been in operation a long time,” said Berry. “We can offer a wider range of subject expertise with them than we could on our own. So we created an opportunity to make it free for students.”
Early last year, with a grant from the Chick-fil-A Foundation, the old hotline went online and quickly became a popular resource. Usage numbers from March 2019 to March 2020 record about 5,000 tutoring sessions, with 75% of them requesting help with math, computer literacy and all science subjects.
While APS, Cobb and Fulton students can log on through their school websites, any kindergarten through high school students living in those geographic zones also have access through a public library card. In addition, students who make connections with specific tutors can work with the same ones over and over in a secure, recorded environment. And sessions have no time limits.
“That was one of the things that really attracted us to the program,” said Berry. “Their methodology focuses on getting students to their ‘aha’ moment, no matter how long it takes. They’re very meticulous about not solving the problems for them; they ask questions to figure out where the student is in the learning process.”
The initial rollout limited hours from 4 to 11 p.m., but since distance learning was put in place in March, tutor times have expanded from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
To find a tutor and learn more about the program, visit tutoratl.org.
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Each week we look at programs, projects and successful endeavors at area schools, from pre-K to grad school. To suggest a story, contact H.M. Cauley at hm_cauley@yahoo.com or 770-744-3042.
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