Writing Center – Online Tutoring

Your online tutoring session will be as interactive and collaborative as a face to face session. Similarly, what and how much we accomplish within the available time will depend on several factors such as your concerns and your paper's length. Working online is different than meeting in person because acclimating to the technology and reading, typing and waiting for replies, take up session time.

New Option: Online Audio and Video!

You may now choose to use audio/video options during your online tutoring sessions. To use this option, your computer must be equipped with a microphone, a webcam, and speakers. It is possible to use the audio feature without the video—just cover or turn off your webcam.

To use the Audio/video option in your session:

• In the session, click Start Video/Audio Chat > Connect >                           Start Publishing >Allow

More to know about online tutoring sessions:

• Wherever you are in your project, you are welcome to work online, from brainstorming to final revisions, and yes, even if you have no draft at all.
• When you make an appointment, we will ask you a few questions about your project e.g., due date and paper's focus. Your answers will help both of us prepare for the session.
• Log into the Online Scheduler approximately 5-10 minutes before the start of your appointment. To meet your tutor online, click on your appointment in the Scheduler and click Start or Join Online Conversation.
• Please do not email your paper ahead of time.  We always work collaboratively, so we will read along with you in real time. We'll ask about your assignment, your concerns, and your goals. Whether in person or online, your voice and your choices are always part of our conversation.
• Are you there? Please be present at all times during your online session including when we are reading and replying. If it appears that you have left the session, tutors will log off.
• Sometimes working online with very detailed/technical issues (e.g., MLA or APA citation formats, or grammar and punctuation), is very difficult and may not lend itself to the collaborative conversations we offer in the Center. If meeting with us in person would be a better option, we will let you know.
• To learn more 'dos and don'ts' when working online, see the University of Wisconsin Online College's Guidelines for Online Etiquette.