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March 2, 2009

Pennsville students get homework help online

Today's Sunbean

Monday, March 02, 2009
From Staff Reports
tsnews@sjnewsco.com
PENNSVILLE TWP. - Now students in Pennsville can connect with expert tutors via the Internet.

Children and teenagers in Pennsville never have to be stumped by a tough homework assignment again. Students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and in introductory college courses, can simply visit www.homeworkhelpnj.org to get free, on-demand help from qualified tutors through Homework Help NJ, an online tutoring service from the New Jersey State Library, supported by a cornerstone grant from PSEG.

Delivered by Tutor.com, Homework Help NJ connects students to expert tutors in math, science, social studies and English via the Internet. Spanish-speaking tutors are available to help students in math and science.

Homework Help NJ has been available to students through the library systems of Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Willingboro and Camden, as well as to NJAfter3 students, since December 2007. It has been a popular success with more than 90 percent of users saying that the service has helped them complete homework assignments, improved their grades and made them more confident about their school work.

"We are excited to be able to offer Homework Help NJ to our young people," said Nancy Whitesell, director of the Pennsville Library. "We believe it will have a significant, positive impact on the success of the students of Pennsville, and serve as a reminder for them to turn to the library as a learning and research resource for the rest of their lives."

Homework Help NJ will allow students in Pennsville to connect with a live tutor via the Internet from either a computer at the library or their computer at home using their public library card, every day from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. to receive help with their homework. To get help, the student simply goes to www.homeworkhelpnj.org or their library's Web site, www.clueslibs.org, and clicks on the Homework Help NJ link, enters their library card number, and then enters their grade level and subject in which they need help.

Within just a few minutes, students are connected to a tutor in an online classroom for one-on-one help in math (elementary, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus), science (elementary, earth science, biology, chemistry, physics), social studies (American history, world history, political science), and English (spelling, grammar, essay writing, book reports).

Together, students and tutors can review specific homework questions, as well as subject-specific concepts using features such as "controlled chat," an interactive whiteboard, and shared Web browsing in the online classroom. Tutors can type math equations using a special math tool, share educational Web sites and much more. All tutors are licensed teachers, college professors, professional tutors, or graduate or undergraduate college students from across the country who have been certified by Tutor.com and have completed a third party background check.

Posted by tumulty at March 2, 2009 10:06 AM

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