There are a variety of ways to provide online support for instruction. Simply pasting tips for study skills or exam taking can be helpful, and institutions have found that offering online tutoring offers important help available to students, especially those at a distance. Both distant and on-campus students appreciate the convenience of receiving help at any time and from any location.
Good Practice Recommendations
Provide online tutoring opportunities. It is possible to interact with an online
tutor in a variety of ways, including via email, chat, or an on-line conference room with
threaded discussions. While some schools
focus on two or three subjects, others provide tutoring in a large number of subjects. (El Camino Community College)
Give contact information to enable students to ask questions or
seek assistance via the phone and/or fax. Some
students prefer to speak to those from whom they are requesting help. (California State University, Dominquez Hills)
Link to external instructional resources and tutoring. A number of institutions have developed
study handouts and materials on specific topics, which your students might find helpful. Identify those that seem most useful and link to
them from your site. (University of New
Mexico)
Present tips for study skills and test-taking. General recommendations for effective studying and test-taking can be helpful for students at a number of potential points in their academic careers. (University of St. Thomas)
Features to Consider
An online writing lab. Many students need special help in developing their writing skills. An online writing lab can help them learn to organize, develop, and revise their work. (Oregon State University)