SPELD - ONLINE TUTOR SERVICE

SPELD SA has recently developed facilities for on-line tutoring for students living in remote areas.  This is a new and exciting medium which students find motivating and enjoyable.

SPELD Tutors

Over the years, SPELD registered tutors have played a vital role in assisting children and adults with specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia.  A good teacher, using specialized teaching methods, can make all the difference to a student’s success and self-confidence.  Tutors on the SPELD register have current SA teacher registration and a minimum of two years’ classroom experience.  In addition, they have received specialist training through SPELD (SA) in the teaching of children and adults with specific learning difficulties.  On-line tutors undertake additional on-line training.

Application for a Tutor

In order to access SPELD (SA) services we ask all clients to first become a member.  If you would like us to arrange a tutor for you, please complete and send the Tutor Allocation and SPELD membership forms with a cheque/money order for $50 (GST included).  This includes a $35.00 SPELD (SA) membership fee and a $15 referral fee.  If your membership is current, please deduct $35. Once received, we will arrange for a tutor to contact you by email and arrange for a trial session.  This process will take approximately 10 days.

Additional Costs

The current cost for on-line tutoring is $40 per lesson (most students have 1 lesson per week) and it is expected that students will sign on for a minimum of one term.  Tuition fees cover the cost of 60 minutes on-line lesson time 1 on 1 with a tutor and the supervision of homework selected specifically for each student.  Homework is emailed to you and emailed back to the tutor prior to the next lesson.  Fees need to be paid by the term, prior to the commencement of lessons.  Tutoring can be provided in all areas of literacy for students of all abilities from 7 years of age.  It is anticipated that tutoring in mathematics will be available from Term 2, 2003.

Computer Requirements

Families accessing this service will need:

• Windows 98+computer system,
• 56K modem + internet connection,
• sound card,
• speakers and headset microphone

Setup of the system is generally easy and can be done by anyone.  It will work on most computers but success is dependent on a combination of factors such as modem speed, bandwidth and distance from phone exchange.  An obligation free trial can be arranged to test if your system is suitable.  You will need a microphone for the trial.  Younger students will need an adult supervisor to sit in on the first few lessons. The actual program used for lessons involves a small download from the web which is included in the lesson costs.  In addition tutors may recommend a software program to address the individual needs of students in particular subject areas.  Most of the programs we recommend cost less than $70 (GST inclusive).

Homework

Homework is designed to consolidate the work done during the tutorial session.  This usually involves 10 to 15 minutes practice, for example, in reading, phonics or spelling five times a week.  In most cases with on-line tutoring this will be a web based work activity, a specific section of a recommended software program or a worksheet to be completed on the computer and emailed back to the tutor.  Tutoring does mean an extra workload on top of the student’s normal school homework and negotiation may be needed with your child’s school to ensure that they are not overburdened. 

Liaison

To be successful, ongoing support by all involved with your child’s education is vitally important.  Your child’s tutor will liaise with the school should you want this and are happy to provide an introduction.  It is important, too, for parents to be fully involved and supportive.  The student needs all our patience, understanding and support to gain the maximum advantage from individual tutoring.  There is no magic wand.

Reporting and feedback

Parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s progress on a regular basis, either after the lesson if time and circumstances permit or by ‘phone or email.  Tutors provide a written report twice yearly.