Tutors are now available online through Salt Lake Community College’s Student Writing Center. If you are hung up on a writing assignment and it’s after campus hours, or you don’t have time to drive to SLCC’s Writing Center, you may be in luck. The process is simple and any Salt Lake Community college student can use this service.
Students familiar with the WIMBA system (online classroom) will be able to quickly navigate their way to chatting with a tutor.
If you are a student unfamiliar with WIMBA, the process is still easy and convenient. Go online to http://www.slcc.edu/swc. Next, click on ‘Live Online Tutoring,’ and make an appointment to chat live with a tutor about your writing assignment. A writing advisor is there to get you hooked up for the session if you experience any difficulties. Christine Larson, one of SLCC’s live online tutors, emphasizes the convenience of it,
“Even with all the technology that students use today, they can be intimidated by live sessions. I assure them that live online is easy and fun, and I try to make it that way for them.”
The process generally takes about 30 minutes and can help with anything from grammatical errors, to ensuring you’re on track with assignment requirements. The hours run on Saturday from 2-4 p.m; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The hours make it very helpful for weekend and late night studies.
“I think the most beneficial part of live online tutoring has to be the convenience for students who want to use our services but whose schedules do not coincide with Writing Center hours,” said Larson.
A headset and web cam is helpful in the process but not mandatory. A headset will allow you to speak directly with the writing advisor. While online, if you do not have a headset, there is an icon that provides you with a telephone number and pin that will allow you to speak with the tutor. After you have successfully hooked up, the tutor will let you know the best way to view your writings.