FCC Research Guides: Tutoring &amp; Learning Centers: Getting Started with Online Tutoring

How Can I Access FCC Online Tutoring?

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Meet with an FCC Online Academic Coach/Tutor

Current FCC students can schedule an appointment with a friendly FCC learning assistant/tutor or academic coach for free, personalized help with their courses. Sessions are conducted by appointment, over Zoom. Our team specializes in helping first year students succeed and thrive:

Improve essential reading/writing, math, science, business, and study skills
Make a study plan to tackle assignments and projects
Build confidence
Practice beginning ASL or Spanish

Current students can schedule 1 online tutoring session per course, per calendar day. No same day appointments.

Students enrolled in introductory general education courses have first priority. Appointment availability is limited.

For step-by-step instructions on how to book, join, or cancel an appointment click here.

In-House Writing Center: Upload a document and receive e-mailed feedback on organization, thesis, grammar, formatting, and more. Papers are reviewed by FCC tutors and returned within 48 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays. Instructions for paper submission can be found here.

Steps to Access Online Tutoring

Go to your Blackboard course and click on "Online Tutoring" in the left-hand menu
On the left-hand side, under Frederick Community College, click "Start Now"
Click “Book Now” under Schedule or Cancel a FCC Tutoring Appointment
Select your course, tutor, day and time you would like and click “Book”
Enter your course and your phone number in the corresponding fields.
Click "Confirm"
You will receive an email confirming your appointment

Go to your Blackboard course and click on "Online Tutoring" in the left-hand menu
On the next screen, on the left-hand side, under Frederick Community College, click "Start Now"

Click “Start Now” on the Start an Existing Online Tutoring Appointment

Choose the category you scheduled a session for and Click "Get Help Now"

Click "Begin Lesson" when the tutor has opened the room & enjoy your session.

Go to your Blackboard course and click on "Online Tutoring" in the left-hand menu
On the next screen, on the left-hand side, under Frederick Community College, click "Start Now"

Click “Join Now” on the Join ASL or Spanish Group Session (4th option down NOT the second option which is only for individual sessions not ASL)

When the tutor has opened the room, you will see the option to join appear
Click "Join" and enjoy your session

Go to your Blackboard course and click on "Online Tutoring" in the left-hand menu
On the next screen, on the left-hand side, under Frederick Community College, click "Start Now"

Click "Get Started" on the In-House Writing Center
Fill in the information and upload your paper and assignment sheet and press "Submit." Note: Only Microsoft Word documents and PDFs can be uploaded. Links to Google documents or other files formats will not work.
The paper will be returned via FCC email or can be picked up at the same spot generally within 48 hours, excluding Sundays and holidays.
Microsoft Word docs: If you can not see comments on your returned paper, go to the "Review" tab in Microsoft Word and click "Show Comments".
PDF docs: If you can't see the full comment, go to this troubleshooting guide:
https://answers.frederick.edu/faq/403964
If the In-House Writing Center is not visible, it means it has been turned off. Staff turn the In-House Writing Center off a few days before a break to ensure that the staff has time to review all the submitted papers.

If you have set a session with an FCC Learning Assistant and require a sign language interpreter,

email Interpreting@frederick.edu.

Sign language interpreters will not be automatically provided without a request for services.

As ThinkingStorm is a third-party service provider, FCC doesn't have access to their software or sessions. Students requiring an interpreter will need to contact ThinkingStorm (877-899-5996 or care@thinkingstorm.com) to request an interpreter or they can use the chat feature provided for these sessions.

If you have any difficulties getting into your session, check out our Troubleshooting FAQ. You can also contact ThinkingStorm Customer Support Monday-Friday from 10 AM-6 PM EST at (877)-889-5996 or 24/7 via chat.

During business hours, you can also call the front desk of the Learning Commons: 301.846.2444

In this new system, it is your responsibility to provide your instructor with your email confirmations of your sessions if you need to for points or as a requirement. This will be sent to your official FCC email address.

Before your tutoring session:

Look over your assignment and make an attempt at starting it on your own.
Gather any class notes, books, assignment sheets, and syllabi that are relevant to your assignment and bring them to the session.
If this is an online FCC tutoring session, make sure you check the appointment date and time and set a reminder for yourself (you can find some great tools for this here). Watch this video if you are unfamiliar with how Zoom works.

During your tutoring session:

Keep your phone on silent and minimize distractions.
Stay engaged by listening carefully, taking notes, and asking questions.

After your tutoring session:

Follow through with any "next steps" your tutor suggested, such as revisions to your paper or practice of the concepts discussed.
Come back for another tutoring session if you have more questions or need additional help.