What are my tutoring options at Madison College?
We encourage students to always discuss course difficulties with your instructor first. Tutoring is a secondary resource. Whenever possible, we encourage students to utilize face to face tutoring resources like our walk-in tutoring centers and Writing Centers at Madison College, but we understand that that is not always possible for many students, including our online distance students or during times when face-to-face services are limited or closed (such as at many regional campuses, or during night or weekend hours), and so are pleased to offer this alternative.
Who are Brainfuse Tutors?
Tutors are trained and certified by Brainfuse. All tutors have been cleared with thorough background and reference checks, must possess a four-year degree, and have prior teaching/tutoring experience. Over 90% of Brainfuse tutors have earned a Master's degree or higher.
How is Brainfuse tutoring funded?
Brainfuse online tutoring is a pilot program funded completely through grant dollars. Hours of usage of live tutoring are billed by the hour. Please see the section on getting prepared for your tutoring session prior to logging in to live tutoring so that these grant dollars are put to their best use.
Who do I contact if I have questions about how to use Brainfuse tutoring?
You many direct all questions about Brainfuse tutoring to Libraries & Academic Support Services.
Are online tutoring hours limited?
In order to be able to provide equal access and offer this service to all Madison College Students, online tutoring hours are normally limited to 8 hours per academic year (August - August) for currently enrolled students. We reserve the right to change student hours in the future. If you are found to misuse your live tutoring sessions, your online tutoring privileges may be revoked.
How do I access Brainfuse online tutoring?
First-time users must login to Brainfuse through a Blackboard course. Subsequent sessions can be accessed directly via the Brainfuse website. For instructions on both methods, please see our Login Instructions page.
Can I use Brainfuse on a mobile device?
You may access Brainfuse on a mobile device. We highly recommed you do so via the Brainfuse app (available for iOs and Android devices).
Is Brainfuse accessible?
Brainfuse is ADA compliant including providing reasonable accommodations for visually impaired students by offering prescheduled sessions where audio option is available. Students with visual impairment can send an email to info@brainfuse.com to request a session with audio. They must include in the email:
- College Name
- Brainfuse Username
In addition, Brainfuse services conform to Section 508 Standards and adhere to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative. For example:
- Brainfuse’s live tutoring includes audio features for the vision impaired.
- Brainfuse content is compatible with available screen readers.
- Brainfuse images and graphics have an alt tag or long description.
- Brainfuse uses alt tags for image maps and for graphics associated with the image map so that a person using a screen reader will have access to the links and information.
- Brainfuse text links are carefully described to clearly indicate what the link is supposed to do.
How do I communicate with Brainfuse tutors? Is there an audio option?
Generally, you will communicate with Brianfuse tutors via chat. You will also be able to use the virtual whiteboard to communicate and work collaboratively on your questions. Generally, you will not hear Brainfuse tutors (and viceversa), unless you set up a prescheduled session. There is currently no video conferencing available with Brainfuse tutors.
