Mid-Hudson Library System

Mid-Hudson Library System
     103 Market Street  |  Poughkeepsie, NY 12601  |  845.471.6060  |  fax 845.454.5940  |  http://midhudson.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 6, 2001

Contacts:
Margaret Keefe, Youth Services Coordinator
Mid-Hudson Library System
845.471.6060 x39

Columbia County, New York – Children and young adults in Columbia County never have to be stumped by a tough homework assignment again! Kids and teens from 4^th grade to 12^th grade can simply visit any local public library to get immediate help from qualified tutors. The Columbia County public libraries now offer Live Homework Help, an online tutoring service from Tutor.com that connects students to expert tutors in math, science, social studies and English via the Internet.

This free service allows children to come to the Canaan, Chatham, Claverack, Germantown, Hillsdale, Hudson, Kinderhook, Livingston, New Lebanon, North Chatham, Philmont and Valatie libraries Monday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and receive homework help from a live tutor via the Internet. Live Homework Help is simple to use. Children and young adults log onto designated computer terminals, enter their grade level and the subject they need help in. Students are immediately connected to a tutor in an Online Classroom for up to 20 minutes of help. Families can also access the service from home on Monday-Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Kids just log onto http:///www.tutor.com/questar and connect to a tutor. A link to Live Homework Help can also be found on any Columbia County library website. For a listing of Columbia County libraries’ web sites, go to http://midhudson.org/alpha.html#columbia.

The Online Classroom is a great place to learn. Students and tutors can review specific homework questions using features such as controlled chat, an interactive white board and shared Web browsing. Tutors and students can type math equations using a special math tool, share educational Web sites using a shared browser tool and much more for a rewarding learning experience. The tutors are certified teachers, college professors, professional tutors and graduate school students from across the country. They love to teach and share their knowledge online.

This project is being funded through a federal Literacy and Technology Challenge Fund grant obtained by Questar III BOCES. Questar III then coordinated with the Mid-Hudson Library System to facilitate the implementation in each Columbia County library. It is an excellent example of local schools and public libraries collaborating to provide expanded services to area residents using modern technology.