“I need three more sources about Eleanor Roosevelt for my essay,” or “I don’t remember how to do long division the way the teacher showed us.” It’s 7 o’clock on a Sunday, and the library is closed! Now what? Many students rely on the Internet for information, but Google answers don’t always measure up to the requirements of successful school assignments.
After hours, residents can take advantage of a special library service designed just for students: Brainfuse Help Now. This free service is accessible over the Internet using a library card barcode. To use it, visit https://www.communitylibrary.org/departments/childrens-services/homework-help/. The service is available every day from 2 p.m.–11 p.m., with certain features, such as the Writing Lab, available 24/7 on a submit-and-respond basis.
Brainfuse Help Now employs certified teachers across all subject levels who interact with students in real time through a chat and whiteboard interface. Rather than completing homework for students, tutors guide and coach them to work out answers independently. Students can get help in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, AP classes, and even test preparation for state standardized exams, the PSAT/SAT, and ACT. Tutors are familiar with curriculum standards and modern teaching methods, including the “new math,” and can provide assistance in Spanish.
In addition to live help sessions, Brainfuse Help Now offers unique features to support learning beyond homework. The Skills Building feature allows students to practice state-aligned lessons. My File Sharing enables students to send work in progress to tutors for constructive feedback. My Session Replay captures the entire help session so students can review it afterward. My Tutoring Archive saves all tutoring sessions, and My Test Archive allows students to save and review any practice tests they have completed. A 24-hour Writing Lab lets students submit essays or other written assignments ahead of their due dates for feedback. Tutors review submissions, suggest improvements, and return them to students with guidance. With features like these, even students who do not require tutoring can benefit from supplementing their classroom experience.
Brainfuse Help Now is not limited to K-12 students. Adults returning to school to complete high school equivalency diplomas or pursue college degrees can benefit from the service as well. Adult learners have access to GED content, professional assistance with resumes and cover letters, U.S. citizenship preparation, and tutorials for learning software such as MS Office Essential Skills Series.
Residents of Mastic, Mastic Beach, Moriches, and Shirley who do not yet have a library card can sign up for a temporary card online at live-brary.com and begin using Brainfuse Help Now the same day. Online services like Brainfuse Help Now provide a cost-effective academic support system for families. Working parents, students of all ages, those who need help in specific subjects, and students who benefit from one-on-one guidance are just a few of the learners who can gain from this valuable library resource.