Faculty Smarthinking FAQ

Why did DCCC agree to try the Smarthinking tutorial program?

We need to find a way to support our distance learning and online courses as well as support our underserved populations at off-campus sites.

Isn't this program the same one we tried years ago? What happened with that pilot program, and how is the current program addressing these earlier issues/concerns?

We participated in a pilot program of the tutorial service for one semester. However, at the time, our college didn't offer online courses and Smarthinking was in its infancy-without the coverage currently available.

How do I figure out how to use this service? How are my students going to learn how to use the system?

Training will be provided during August in-service. In addition the staff for the Learning Center and Learning Resource Center (off-campus) will be trained to show students how the service works. After the August sessions, there will be account passwords created for faculty who need to experience the tutoring for up to one hour each. Students will have clear instructions online or can go the any center or tutorial lab for hands on help using the tutoring.

Are other colleges using the service? What has been their response?

According to information provided by Smarthinking there are over 500 colleges, universities, libraries and other institutions utilizing the service. We contacted colleges/universities in the area to ask about their satisfaction level with Smarthinking and learned that this on-line tutorial program is a success on their campuses. Harrisburg Area Community College and Pierce College had this to say about Smarthinking. "We like the service very much and have always found the Smarthinking staff and technical support to be excellent." Our school (Pierce College) is "very satisfied with the services and strongly recommend this program be considered as a tutorial support service for students."

Why weren't faculty consulted before the Smarthinking service was purchased as a one year pilot program?

The program is a pilot. It is in place now so that you may have the opportunity--as faculty-to assess the quality and usefulness of its tutorial --services.

Will this online tutoring replace or minimize our current face-to-face tutoring?

On-line tutoring will not replace face-to-face tutoring. It will however enhance the services that we are already providing. On-line services for most subjects begin after 3:00 p.m. when the writing center closes and the majority of the daytime tutors have left. Between the hours of 5:00 - 9:00 p.m., on average, there are three to four tutors available to see students, one for math and physics, one for chemistry and biology, and one for English, Social Sciences and English. In the Act 101/Perkins Tutorial Lab and off-site campus, there is no Saturday tutoring available. The Math and Science Lab offers very limited tutoring on Saturdays. With Smarthinking, we are providing the students with the opportunity to receive assistance during times when our services are not as extensive and/or unavailable.

How do I let Smarthinking know if I am unhappy with the sessions as delivered?

Contact the directors of the Learning Centers. They will track the record and document complaints.

Can I control whether or not my students participate in the tutoring?

Not exactly. But you can request a full report detailing the entire session. You may wish to remind your students that such reports are made available to you!

How do I stop my students from getting help with out-of-class examinations?

If you have any concerns, please contact the directors and ask to see the session transcripts.