Free Online Tutoring for Military Families

  • Published
  • By Robert L. Gordon, III
  • Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  As we settle into the new school year, I'd like to remind military families there is a free and extremely helpful resource available to them and their children at www.tutor.com/military. Children of military members can find support they need, should they need it, to be successful students.

The site is an online tutoring and homework help program sponsored by the Department of Defense that allows eligible servicemembers and their families to get assistance and support 24-hours-a-day on a wide range of subjects, from elementary school concepts to advanced high school coursework. Active-duty military as well as members of the Guard or Reserve on active duty in a deployed status (and DoD civilians in a deployed status), and their families are eligible for the program.

Carefully screened professional tutors who are also subject matter experts provide assistance through tutor.com's online interface, and can also assist with introductory college courses, adult learning, and career transitions. The tutors work closely with kids who visit the site, helping them work through questions or problems without feeding them the answers. Students work in a secure online classroom with their tutor, where they can chat, draw on a shared whiteboard, upload files, and view the web together. And people don't need any special hardware or software: as long as they have Internet access, they can use tutor.com anywhere in the world.

Tutor.com is unique in that it helps address the specific needs of military families. For example, military children may have to move during the school year and could lose valuable time in the classroom or may need some extra time adapting to a new school environment. As a complement to the extra help their teachers can provide, tutor.com can help military children stay current with their studies and build confidence.

To get a tutor, those who qualify can visit www.tutor.com/military, select their branch of service, and follow the directions to get their password. Students can save each of their sessions for review, print them out later, and request their favorite tutor when they have a particular question. Those who have used tutor.com in the past or who have any questions or comments are encouraged to visit the discussion area on the site.

One of the most appealing aspects of the site is that it is not just for military children: the entire family can participate. If a military member or spouse is getting ready to head back to school, the site can help with refresher courses or entrance exam preparation. Military spouses can prepare to get back into the workforce with the program's resume, interviewing, and job search assistance.

The site can also teach parents how to help their children. Helping children with homework can be challenging, especially if it has been a while since caregivers did school work. The tutors help them become a better tutor and academic role model for their children.