Oct. 13, 2005 -- The Arkansas State University in Jonesboro has implemented a new online tutorial to help students with their classes. 

“Smarthinking” offers real time assistance from real people in the areas of math (basic math, pre-algebra through college algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and single variable calculus), macroeconomics and microeconomics, accounting, statistics, chemistry, Spanish and writing.

The tutors, referred to as e-structors, are available 20 hours a day with math e-structors available 24 hours a day.  The service helps students who have an understanding of the subject but need assistance with a particular problem. Smarthinking is especially helpful for non-traditional students who can access the online tutorial from home wherever they live.

Additionally, the tutors have experience in all types of writing from creative writing to business and technical writing, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), developmental writing, and first-year English classes.

In addition to the online service Smarthinking, the Wilson Center for Academic Advising and Learning Assistance offers assistance with students in other areas. Students can be referred to a tutor in the office or even back to their professor for additional assistance. Another area helps students with taking notes in class and various study skills, all in an effort to improve retention rates at ASU.

“Students today are balancing so many things in life from a family to a job to a tough class schedule. Many times students may be working on their assignments for math, economics or whatever at 1 a.m. and need help right then. Then other students come in to our office and need help person-to-person with a tutor who could help them with note taking or working with the professor,” said Jill Simons, Director of the Wilson Center for Academic Advising and Learning Assistance.  

“Whatever the case or the situation, we are here to help students,” she said.

For more details, contact Harland Moore, learning specialist for Academic Advising, at 870-972-3001 or visit online at http://www.clt.astate.edu/advising/.