18 September 09 - Tutor Service Takes Coffs to 'Top of the Class'

Coffs Harbour Library Service has been recognised as a national e-learning centre after the success of its 'yourtutor' online tutoring programme placed it in the top five performing libraries in Australia.

"This is a tremendous achievement for the staff involved in establishing and promoting the free 'yourtutor' programme to local students," said Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Keith Rhoades.

"But, perhaps most importantly, it shows that the service has been embraced by students who are clearly finding it highly beneficial."

In the past year, a total of 622 students have used 'yourtutor'. Out of these, 94% said they would recommend it to friends. Some of the comments made by its users included:

• "The tutor was quick to respond and gave me some valuable information. They were pleasant and happy to help. Overall, another good experience that will keep me coming back to yourtutor for help." - a Year 7 student.
• "Of course I would recommend this to a friend, in fact, I would recommend this to all my friends!!! Wonderful and extremely helpful." - a Year 10 student.

'yourtutor' creates an online classroom where students are connected to qualified, expert tutors for one-to-one help with homework, understanding difficult topics, assignment research, exam preparation and study questions. English, Maths and Science subjects are included and the service is available from 4pm-8pm, Monday to Friday, from either library or home computers. The service is funded by Council, BCU and Griffith University.

"Council's Library Service signed up to 'yourtutor' so that local students can get extra help with their schoolwork - but at no cost," said Librarian Enzo Accadia.

"It can be accessed at any of Council's libraries, through the BCU website or through the library website from a home PC. All it requires is a library membership number - so students across the local government area all have equal access," he said.

All 'yourtutor' tutors are certified teachers, professional tutors, post graduates and advanced undergraduates from Australian universities. They can review specific homework and assignment questions with students online, using features like controlled chat, an interactive white board and shared web browsing. 

The 'yourtutor' provider, Tutoring Australasia, screens its tutors and all exchanges between students and tutors are monitored. 

Tutoring Australasia CEO Jack Goodman said that the libraries recognised in the top five were noted for their outstanding commitment to learning support - notably with high staff awareness, ongoing communication to families, students, schools, the wider community and active collaboration with local partners.

"Each library's success is evidenced by the increasing number of students exploring the resource, with more and more positive outcomes for schools, families and attitudes to learning in each community," he said.

The 'yourtutor' programme can be accessed via the Library Service website Coffs Harbour City Library and also at the BCU website.