Tutoring: Online and In-Person
FREE 24/7 Online Tutoring for all ESCC students.
Stuck on a problem? Want someone to review your paper? ESCC offers FREE on-demand, online tutoring through Brainfuse. This service is easy-to-use and can be accessed on any device that connects to the Internet. Tutors are available to you 24/7—even at 2:00 a.m.!
When you log in to your free Brainfuse account, you’ll be able to:
- Connect one-on-one with highly qualified tutors
- View recordings of your previous sessions
- Drop off an essay for review and feedback
- Save your favorite tutors and see their schedule of availability
- Get assistance in over 35 subjects
How to Access Brainfuse through Canvas:
- Go to www.es.vccs.edu
- Log into MyESCC
- Click the Canvas Tile
- Click your class shell – Brainfuse — is on the left side under the Course Menu.
- Choose to “Submit a Paper”, “Live Help: Connect”, “Create and share flashcards”, and more.
Contact adestro@es.vccs.edu or at 757-789-7988 if you have any issues, have any questions or would like more information on Brainfuse.
In-person Peer Tutoring
In-Person Peer Tutoring is offered during the fall and spring terms. Students should check the tutor schedule on the Plasma TVs, pick up a schedule in the tutoring room or in Student Services.
When in-person tutoring is available, tutors meet students one-on-one or in small groups to help with fundamental concepts, practice problems, course content, and independent learning strategies in Math (all levels), English and Writing. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, develop learning strategies, and work through difficult material with the support they need.
For questions, comments, updates, or suggestions about tutoring, please contact 757-789-7988 or adestro@es.vccs.edu.
Study Skills Tips
Time Management
- Make a weekly or daily to-do list
- Use a calendar or planner
- Get up early to get stuff done
- Reward yourself when tasks are complete
- Schedule your “me” time (so it doesn’t eat up study time)
- Read the syllabus and make plans from it
- Prioritize and schedule what you need to do – be realistic!
- Set aside study/class work hours each day
- Have a spot where all studying takes place
- Make or join a study group
Reading
- Read more than once
- Highlight and take notes
- Make margin notes
- Don’t put off reading assignments until the last minute!
- Review after reading
- Don’t read right before going to bed, and don’t read in bed
- Read and understand captions and figures
- Make a glossary of terms
- Pace yourself
- Pay attention to key concepts and end of chapter reviews
Note-Taking
- Copy professor board notes and check Canvas
- Paraphrase professor’s words
- Take up as much space as needed
- Review your notes every night
- Create your own abbreviations
- Jot down any ideas that the professor repeats
- Notice verbal cues – “Now this is important”
- Highlight your book/class materials
- Write down all examples
- Rewrite your notes after class
Test Preparation
- Make flashcards
- Rewrite/re-read your notes; reorganize into categories
- Get help if you need it: use PASS and other learning resources
- Don’t cram!
- Know the test format
- Get all of your questions answered
- Verbalize what you know – tell/teach the material to someone else
- Be caught up on all work for the test
- Identify your problem areas
- Take advantage of extra credit
Technology Support
Required skills:
- Understanding basic computer hardware and software with the ability to perform computer operations, such as:
- Using keyboard and mouse
- Managing files and folders: save, name, move, backup, upload/download
- Installing software, such as security and virus protection
- Using software, such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email
- Using the Internet
- Doing online research using web browsers
Chromebooks
If you are taking online or hybrid courses at ESCC, you MUST have access to appropriate technology. You will need to access a personal computer. If you do not have a tablet or computer, you can check out a Chromebook from the library for use during the semester. Contact the Learning Resource Center at lrc@es.vccs.edu.
Hot Spots
High-speed internet connection. ESCC has mobile internet hotspots that can be checked out from the library for use during the semester. Contact Dena Lyons – dlyons@es.vccs.edu.