Students can ask a teacher for free

News Release
TV Ontario

If multiplying polynomials puts a puzzled look on your teen’s face they should visit Ask a Teacher - a free service that helps students struggling with homework and test preparation.
Year round between 5:30 and 9:30 pm, Sunday through Thursday, the Independent Learning Centre’s (ILC) Ask a Teacher service connects students in Grades 9 through 12 with Ontario certified teachers in online classrooms - for free. Using text and a virtual whiteboard, students receive one-on-one tutoring in all subjects, in real-time.
Instead of getting stressed out about the provincial Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics administered between January 5th and 25th, students can log in to the service at www.ilc.org and get prepared.
Ron Francis, a high school teacher in Ottawa and Ask a Teacher tutor, attributes the program’s success to two key factors. “The best part of it is the accessibility and the anonymity it affords students. Teachers try to get kids to come in for help at lunchtime or after school, but they don’t want to be seen by their friends when they’re getting help from a teacher,” he said.
After the school bell rings, Ask a Teacher offers equal access to tutoring for high school students in Ontario. “For families who can’t afford a private tutor, and for parents who are unable to help, Ask a Teacher is there.
It’s a valuable service that equalizes the opportunity for students to succeed by providing real-time help when they need it,” said Sarah Irwin, managing director, ILC.
A new addition to the Ask a Teacher service is the Essay Feedback Tool, which allows Ontario high school students to upload their essays for evaluation from certified Ontario teachers. Essays are e-mailed back to students within 48 hours with helpful comments and suggestions - which they can use to polish their assignment before they hand it in!
Ask a Teacher is a service of the Independent Learning Centre (ILC), a division of TVOntario. Visit the ILC’s website at www.ilc.org. TVOntario uses the power of television, the internet and other communications technologies to enhance education and training in English and French - inspiring learning for life.