An Introduction to
Online Tutoring
with NetTutor™
Prepared by:
4515 George Road, Suite 340
Tampa, Florida 33634
813.674.0660
www.link-systems.com
2007-2008
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
Table of Contents
ABOUT NETTUTOR™ ................................................................................................... 1
LIVE TUTORIAL .......................................................................................................................................... 1
OFFLINE QUESTION SUBMISSION ................................................................................................................ 2
ARCHIVE CENTER ....................................................................................................................................... 2
LIVE CLASS ................................................................................................................................................ 2
ABOUT THE WORLDWIDEWHITEBOARD™ ......................................................... 3
OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................................. 3
LAYOUT AND DESIGN ................................................................................................................................. 3
WHY THE WORLDWIDEWHITEBOARD™? .................................................................................................. 4
COMMUNICATION MODES ........................................................................................................................... 4
USER FEATURES.......................................................................................................................................... 6
GROUP LEADER FEATURES.......................................................................................................................... 6
CONFERENCING FEATURES ......................................................................................................................... 7
ONLINE TUTORING SERVICES ................................................................................. 8
OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................................. 8
COVERED SUBJECTS ................................................................................................................................... 8
TUTORING SERVICE DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 8
QUALIFICATIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES..................................................................................... 9
SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................................10
TRACKING AND REPORTING ......................................................................................................................10
ABOUT LINK-SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, INC................................................. 11
OUR COMPANY..........................................................................................................................................11
OUR TEAM ................................................................................................................................................12
LSI MISSION STATEMENT .........................................................................................................................12
OUR CUSTOMERS ......................................................................................................................................13
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
About NetTutor™
NetTutor™ provides a convenient way for tutors and students to
communicate with each other, without their needing to be in the same
physical location.
NetTutor™ is divided into four main centers:
Live Tutorial
A live tutorial is a one-on-one, interactive discussion between learner and mentor.
Everyone connected to the tutorial session may watch, but only one student at a time may
interact with the tutor. When a tutor is in and conducting a live tutorial session, a Join
Live Tutorial button is presented on the main group page.
The session begins in view-mode. This mode allows you to watch the tutor help other
students. You can remain in view-mode for the entire tutorial, or you can submit a
question by clicking on the Ask A Question button. When submitting a question, you are
placed into question-mode. By entering question-mode, you arrive in a private workspace
to prepare your question. You will not be able to see what is happening in view-mode
while in question-mode, nor will anyone else be able to see you entering your question.
After you prepare your question, you then Submit Your Question. This places your
question into the tutor's queue and returns you to view-mode. Once the tutor gets to your
question, you will be notified by a bell and placed into interactive-mode. Your one-onone tutoring takes place in this mode, and everyone else connected is in view-mode and
able to watch your session. Interactive-mode is the only mode in the Live Tutorial that
counts toward your allotted tutoring minutes.
At any point while in the queue, students may decide to no longer wait for the tutor to
answer their question. By simply clicking Mail, the tutor will receive and answer your
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
1
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
question offline at some point later that day. Once done answering a question, the tutor
has the option of creating an archive (Archive Center) if s/he feels it would be helpful to
other students as well.
Offline Question Submission
Students who do not wish to wait for their question to be addressed during the tutorial
may submit questions to the Mail Queue (Q & A Center) to be answered later. Only time
spent by the tutors answering your question counts toward your allotted tutoring minutes.
In this Center students can submit questions and retrieve answers later, while tutors can
answer questions that have accumulated over time. When a student asks a question s/he is
given a question code. Using this code, the student can return to this center and retrieve
his/her answer once a tutor has answered it. Once done answering a question, the tutor
has the option of creating an archive (Archive Center) if s/he feels it would be helpful to
other students as well.
Archive Center
Here students can browse previously answered questions for their answers. They can also
search for questions pertinent to a particular topic. If they encounter an answer they do
not understand, they can ask a follow-up question.
Live Class
A live class session is a multi-user environment. Everyone who is connected can
participate
in a leader-lead or a leader-less group chat session via the
WorldWideWhiteboard™.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
2
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
About the WorldWideWhiteboard™
Overview
Our latest version of the WorldWideWhiteboard™ continues to provide the easiest
mechanism for including an interactive conversation within the on-line collaboration
process.
The whiteboard has many customizable features, including chatting, text communication,
drawing, URL sharing, special symbols, image and audio file loading, polling, private
messaging, application viewing, and post-process editing capabilities. Threaded archives
are automatically created from all live sessions.
Layout and design
The WorldWideWhiteboard™ consists of a large whiteboard region.
Along the left-hand side is the customizable tool bar. It provides special symbols and
shapes, color and line thickness selection, highlighting, and cursor movement. (The
WorldWideWhiteboard™, depicted above, shows the default tool bar buttons.) The
selection of available buttons is fully customizable by your developers, as well as a group
setting controlled by the group administrator.
Along the top of the WorldWideWhiteboard™ is a menu bar with several pull-down
menu items. On the right side of the WorldWideWhiteboard is a user list, which is used
in the Live Class mode of the WorldWideWhiteboard™. This user list shows which
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
3
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
users are in the session, allows the leader of the session to control read-write access to the
whiteboard and chat area, allows users to send private messages, and allows leaders to
send poll questions to the users in the session.
At the bottom of the WorldWideWhiteboard™ are one or more operations buttons, and
a status line. The status line displays real-time information, such as queue status,
submission status, what the current discussion is about, and who has joined the group.
Why the WorldWideWhiteboard™?
The greatest feature of our communication utility is still the speed in which the
WorldWideWhiteboard™ processes data. Dozens of users can be spread out all over the
world (even Beijing, China), all logged in via modem to a server in New York City, and
still have an efficient online conference – in real time! By being very bandwidth friendly,
the WorldWideWhiteboard™ continues to provide virtually immediate collaboration
globally.
Another important feature of this whiteboard is that it requires no software downloads on
the part of the client. Although we have added a plug-in to enable certain new
conferencing features, it does not need to be installed to obtain functionality. All a user
needs is a Java/JavaScript-enabled, modern version of Netscape or Microsoft Internet
Explorer.
Our software supports a variety of client platforms including Windows 9X//NT/XP, many
flavors of Unix, and Macintosh OS 8 or higher (including OS X). Servers that we
support include Windows NT, Linux and Solaris.
The WorldWideWhiteboard™ provides a convenient way for individuals to communicate
with each other, without their needing to be in the same physical location. Indeed,
participants can be scattered all over the world.
Communication modes
Live Communication Mode
The WorldWideWhiteboard™ handles several real-time modes, including:

Tutorial-mode. A one-on-one, interactive session, where all participants may
watch, but only one user at a time may interact with the leader.

Classroom-mode. A multi-user, leader-led session, where a leader has the
capacity to control the flow of dialog, switching of the whiteboard, and
enabling/disabling write access. The leader also has control over polling,
answering the hand raising, and can remove a user from the current session.

Chat-mode. A multi-user, leader-less session, where everyone can participate
in a peer-to-peer chat as equals.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
4
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
Asynchronous Communication Mode
The WorldWideWhiteboard™ handles several off-line modes, including:

Submission mode. Allowing users to submit postings offline, then allowing
the leader (or other users) to respond. The users can then go back later to
retrieve the response. The SDK can be configured to automatically notify the
users that their questions have been answered.

Threaded-posting mode. Users may “post” whiteboards for review and
comment by other users. Multiple re-posts of a message are shown as
“threaded” listings of entries.
Static Communication Mode
Virtually every WorldWideWhiteboard™ session may be saved, or archived, during a
session. Additionally, these archives may be “post-processed,” that is, edited or refined
for later viewing.
This includes spell checking, formatting, and better organizing the submission. Whether
you edit the posting or not, users can be granted access to all postings in any customized
directory structure you choose.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
5
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
User features
Image and Audio Loading
The load feature allows users to load prepared images (GIF, JPEG) and prepared audio
files (.AU) onto the WorldWideWhiteboard. Once a web-supported multimedia file is
loaded onto the WorldWideWhiteboard, it can be copied, moved, deleted, and
annotated like any other WorldWideWhiteboard object.
Private Messaging
This allows two or more people in a group to message one another privately, student-tostudent or instructor-to-student.
Font Color Control
Change the color of fonts when writing on the whiteboard to signify a particular item.
Notes Section
Allows the ability to utilize the whiteboard, create notes and save them for future
reference without having to submit through Q&A or Live Discussion.
File Incorporation
Upload Microsoft Office files onto the whiteboard for annotation. Any annotations
would be made to the whiteboard itself and not the file. This is an automation of the
existing cut & paste process for ease of uploading multi-page documents. There are no
limits imposed on the number of participating users or maximum file size.
Group leader features
Virtual-hand Raising
Allows students to notify the instructor that there is a question on the floor.
Question Polling
Provides the ability to ask a question with answers automatically tallied and displayed to
the instructor.
Leader Takeover
A new leader/tutor can take over a live session started by another.
Worksheet/Testing
Create and post a worksheet or test and the answers can be graded.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
6
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
Conferencing features
Live discussions with Pre-made Sessions
This was created to serve as a slide show. A session can be created with multiple pages
(using PowerPoint, for example) then imported to display a slide show. This function
requires the group leader to work from a Microsoft Windows environment.
Broadcast Audio
The SDK can integrate with any third-party Voice Over IP utility. Live audio can be
streamed via the Internet to session participants, or users may chat with each other in
real-time, depending on which third-party software is selected. There are no limits
imposed on the number of participating users by the Software.
Application Viewing
Any application on the leader’s desktop is displayed on the whiteboard and shared by
participants in the session. The viewed application is integrated with the whiteboard
feature so presenters or participants can use the whiteboard to make notes or other
annotations on the slides, for more detailed instruction, emphasis or clarification, as the
demonstration is in progress. This function requires the group leader to work from a
Microsoft Windows environment.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
7
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
Online Tutoring Services
Overview
LSI provides the most comprehensive support services for all levels of business,
mathematics, engineering, information technology, and science, including problemsolving recitations. In addition to the covered subjects listed below, additional content
areas can be offered, should demand exist.
Tutors hold office hours, attend supervisory meetings, hold individual tutoring
appointments, and lead small group tutoring sessions for students enrolled in middle
school, high school, college and graduate-level courses. Our tutoring professionals are
usually either full-time employees of LSI, or alternate between tutor assignments and
full-time teaching or graduate-level studies.
LSI has several Ph.D. level executives, each with several years of teaching and
incorporating technology into coursework.
Covered Subjects
English Composition, Liberal Arts Math, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus,
Statistics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Information Technology,
Economics, Finance, Accounting, Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, and more…
Tutoring Service Description
Type I - Homework Help
 Students choose to either submit a live question or an offline question.
 Tutor reviews the question, then works with the student to help the student “get
it.”
 Students should come to the session with a specific question about an assignment
(i.e., where they are “stuck”), and not with general, open ended questions (“I
don’t get it”).
 Available 24/7; live tutor hours vary by subject, and can scale to meet large
demand.
Type II - Paper Review
 Students choose to join a live chat with the tutor, or submit their paper for offline
review.
 Tutor hosts a live chat room where relevant topics are discussed.
 Tutor will review papers offline, giving students an additional set of
review/feedback.
 Available 24/7; live tutor hours vary by subject, and can scale to meet large
demand.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
8
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
Qualifications, Responsibilities, and Duties
Qualifications
 Masters/Doctoral level graduate…
 Or currently enrolled in graduate or undergraduate-level studies, with 2 years
minimum study in concentrating area.
 Minimum overall GPA 3.0, with no less than a B grade in tutoring subjects.
 Strong verbal communication skills.
 Patience in working with students for whom learning does not come easily.
 Responsible, dependable, and organized work habits.
Tutor Responsibilities
 Facilitate development of learning skills and concepts.
 Assist students in solving problems, without doing their work for them.
 Provide guidance and encouragement, and maintain a positive attitude.
 Answer and ask questions.
 Encourage good study habits.
 Hold individual and small group tutoring sessions.
 Tutor in more than one content area.
 Available for tutoring no less than twenty hours per week.
 Attend weekly supervisory meetings.
 Facilitate learning; don't lecture the material.
 Answer specific questions about material presented.
 Assist students in learning problem-solving strategies and methods of studying.
 Attend a tutor training session each quarter.
 Keep proper records and turn them in to LSI.
 Complete program evaluations as requested by the tutor program sponsor.
Student Responsibilities
 Study the course material before each tutor session.
 Come to each session prepared with specific questions.
 Attend EACH class. A tutor session is not an acceptable substitute for a missed
class.
 Notify the tutor program coordinator of any problems.
 Complete program evaluations as requested by the tutor program coordinator.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
9
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
Schedule
LSI estimates that in order for a tutor to fully answer a student’s question, between 5-20
minutes should be spent with the student on-line (an average of 3-5 consecutive questions
answered per hour).
Should peak hours require additional tutoring support, LSI will reshuffle the tutoring
schedule to accommodate as best as can be done. Should this program prove to be as
successful as anticipated, additional tutorial hours will eventually be added.
Tracking and Reporting
LSI will provide detailed tutoring usage reports, including the ability to routinely refer to
an online system that provides up-to-the-minute details. These reports will indicate when
tutors were online, how many questions were submitted, and the average length of time
spent answering a question.
Summary information along with details in a specific session is also available. This
database is updated in real time, and made available either via e-mail attachment or URL
posting.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
10
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
About Link-Systems International, Inc.
Our Company
Link-Systems International, Incorporated (LSI) is a twelve-year old privately-held and
self-funding technology, services and content development company dedicated to student
success and student retention in K-12 Education, Higher Education, and Workforce
Development Education.
Our core technologies include a very flexible online tutoring/teaching platform, an online
grade book, an online algorithm engine with metadata and workflow capabilities, and an
online business intelligence/data mining technology designed to provide real-time alerts
regarding student/school/teacher performance, attendance, and other metrics.
Our core services include content development, consulting, and online tutoring through
our NetTutor™ brand.
Our customers include K-12 publishers, higher education publishers, virtual high schools,
higher education institutions, technology companies, and Joint Programs dedicated to
providing online educational content to members of Organized Labor and their families.
We are located in Tampa, Florida, a few miles from the University of South Florida.
Along with the Moffitt Cancer Center -- one of the premier medical research institutions
in the United States -- USF has excellent Engineering, Computer Science and
Mathematics programs which provide LSI much of our human capital.
Launched in 1995, LSI has created several unique and powerful technologies, which
facilitate the sharing of content over the Internet. We specialize in mathematics, technical
and scientific content, the most critical types of online content with respect to student
success, and the most difficult to share online.
Today, LSI is recognized by a variety of publishers and educational institutions not only
for its high-quality work and dedication to meeting commitments, but also for its unique
ability to develop digital strategies that are custom tailored to the needs of its customers.
Our partners and customers have come to value and trust LSI because we are the only
company that offers a complete suite of interoperable solutions that address the entire life
cycle of the student, with an overt focus on the bottom line: Student Success and Student
Retention. That student life cycle includes:
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Online Assessment and Placement
Content Authoring
Content Recovery, Content Management and Metadata Management
Online Teaching, Collaboration, and Tutoring
Online Homework and Testing
Online Grade book Technologies
Online Real-Time Performance Monitoring and Intervention
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
11
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
Through a relationship with LSI, educators acquire the ability to construct a complete,
holistic approach to Student Success and Student Retention.
Our Team
Vincent T. Forese, President, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Yanmu Zhou, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
Dr. Emil Moskona, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Milena Moskova, Vice President, Research and Development
Kerry Sung, Vice President, Software Engineering
William K. Barter, Vice President, Business Development
Chris Boisclair, Director, Product Development
Joseph Bower, Director, Operations
Trey Bruns, Director, Sales
Tom Forese, Director, Academic Partnerships
Richard T. Meade, Director, Market Development
Robert Andersen, Manager, Project
LSI Mission Statement
Link-Systems International is the leader in providing integrated technology and service
solutions to educators in order to improve the quality of education and training, ensure
student success and retention, and provide affordable education to students, workers, and
their families.
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.
12
An Introduction to Online Tutoring with NetTutor™
2007-2008
Our Customers
A partial list of the various schools and companies we work with.
Business Customers:
 Association of Joint
Labor/Management
Educational Programs
 Communication Workers of
America
 International Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers
Publishing Customers:
 BrooksCole/Thomson
Learning
 Houghton Mifflin Company
 John Wiley and Sons
 Jones & Bartlett Publishers
Academic Customers:
 Central Piedmont
Community College
 College Board
 California State University
 Fanshawe College
 Georgia Virtual School
 Independence University
 Johns Hopkins University
 Kaplan University
 Mount San Antonio College
 Pima Community College
 Regina Coeli
 Rockwood School District
 San Diego Community
College
 SUNY-Delhi
Internet Customers:
 AcademicOne
 CCS Web Academy
 Content on Demand
Confidential Material
Copyright 2007, 2008 Link-Systems International, Inc.


Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power
Qwest Communications
United Steel Workers of
America
Verizon, Inc.





Key College Publishing
Marcel Dekker
McDougal Littell, Inc.
The McGraw-Hill Companies
Springer-Verlag New York








Texas Tech University
Union County College
University of Arkansas
University of Canterbury
University of Colorado @
Denver
University of Georgia
University of Idaho
University of New Orleans
University of Phoenix
University of WisconsinMilwaukee
Utah Valley State College
Weber State University
Youngstown State University



eCollege.com
Embanet
JonesKnowledge, Inc







13