Libraries Present Online Tutorial For Brainfuse Homework-Tutoring Resource

Homework got your children down?  Get live online homework help through your library! Fort Bend County Libraries will present an online tutorial demonstrating the Brainfuse Homework-Tutoring program on Thursday, November 5. The pre-recorded video demonstration can be viewed at any time from the comfort and safety of home.

Parents and students are encouraged to watch this tutorial, which will demonstrate how to access this homework resource from home through the library’s website, and how to take advantage of the services it offers. Fort Bend County Libraries’ Brainfuse HelpNow (Homework Tutoring) program enables the library system to provide online homework assistance in a broad range of subjects in both English and Spanish for students in grades K through 12, free of charge.

This tutoring program is an Internet-based service that provides library patrons with live, on-demand homework help, seven days a week, from 2:00 to 11:00 pm. Certified tutors are experienced in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English/Language Arts. If live, real-time assistance is not needed, students may also submit questions any time of the day or night, and emailed responses will arrive within 24 hours.

Math tutors assist with basic skills, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, while science tutors are versed in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth-science subjects. Social studies tutors cover American history, world history, and political science. English/language arts instructors provide help with writing, reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary skills, as well as help in English literature. Tutors are also able to assist with Advanced Placement (AP) subjects and introductory college courses.

The program includes a 24-hour writing lab, which allows students to submit papers online to trained writing instructors at any time; students receive feedback within 24 hours. Writing experts evaluate the submitted paper and provide constructive comments with the aim of helping students become better writers.

In addition to homework help, the homework tutoring program offers a Skills Building section in which students may receive additional exercises to help them master the concepts being taught in their homework lessons. Skills-building lessons involve one-to-one sessions with live instructors. These tutors utilize a library of field-tested, state-aligned lessons, including age-appropriate content, reading passages, simulated test questions, and worksheets to help students master key academic areas.

Students may access this resource from any computer – whether at home or school – by going to the library’s website, www.fortbend.lib.tx.us. Click on the Research tab on the main webpage and select “Homework & Tutoring,” or access it in the Youth section. Type in the barcode number from the FBCL library card, and then enter the Homework Help area or the Skills Building area. There is no time limit to the sessions.

The first time patrons utilize the service from home, they may receive a prompt requesting that they install ActiveX software from the Brainfuse website. Patrons may choose to complete an optional registration form. Completing this registration allows the user to submit papers for feedback, to receive emailed responses, or to review old sessions. While an email address is needed if the user wishes to submit questions or receive feedback, it is not necessary to have an email address to take advantage of the live homework help during the scheduled hours that the service is available.

All tutors are required to have a four-year college degree and to undergo extensive background and reference checks. They are also subject to a rigorous selection-and-training process, multiple screening interviews, and skills-testing. Ongoing monitoring of online sessions ensures security and instructional quality.

This online, pre-recorded video tutorial can be viewed through the Fort Bend County Libraries website – www.fortbend.lib.tx.us — by clicking on the “Classes and Events” tab and selecting “Virtual Programs,” and then finding the demonstration on the date listed.

For more information, call the Fort Bend County Libraries Communications Office at 281-633-4734.