Hotmath Tutoring Plus - FAQs
What is Hotmath Tutoring Plus?
Hotmath Tutoring Plus for pre-algebra through calculus is a multi-tier solution for under performing students. Students attempt problems from textbooks, from our practice tests, or from our workbooks. At any time, they can click through our step-by-step tutorial answers, select among suggested math lessons or videos, and even click for one-on-one online live tutoring. Hotmath Tutoring Plus is low cost, easy to implement, and is quickly accepted by students and teachers. There is a small annual fee for the use of the content (under $1 per student per year), and the tutoring is charged, by the minute, at less than $20 per hour.
Is it live or automated?
Hotmath Tutoring Plus is the best of both worlds. A student who is working a math problem can click through our step-by-step tutorials for the actual problem. If the student wants further explanation, the student can click "More Help" to read a review lesson or watch a video lesson covering the math concept in question. And if the student needs more help, the student can click the "Ask a Tutor" button and be immediately connected to ask a live tutor as many questions as needed using our whiteboard with text-chat.
How do the student and tutor communicate?
The student and tutor each use their mouse to draw figures and graphs on a whiteboard and chat with our built-in IM. Text-chat is a fast and easy way for students to ask questions and tutors to respond. The student can ask as many questions as needed to gain understanding. If unable to understand one tutor's explanation, the student can easily ask another tutor for help. The tutors prompt the student with questions to make sure they are engaged and following along.
How do we administer the program?
- Initial Setup. The school provides Hotmath with a list of student ID's, a per-student time limit, and any specific pedagogical directions for the tutors to follow.
- Monitoring Individual Students. The administrator or teacher can review the sessions for individual students to see where they are seeking help, and to assess our tutoring quality.
- Summary Reporting. Check the current balance of tutoring hours remaining and a listing of the time used by each student.
Why does a student need online tutoring in addition to our content?
Most students don't need tutoring. Step-by-step solutions and our lessons are usually enough to help solve the problems. But, automated responses do not always address the exact question a student needs to ask.
Is online tutoring different from regular tutoring?
Online tutoring is instant online math help delivered 24/7. Each math answer is a full explanation delivered by a professional tutor that the student can chat with and ask more questions. Instant online tutoring is math tutoring but without the hassle of making appointments. Students can select and work with their favorite tutors at any time 24/7 without scheduling.
Why are we called a life saver?
Every day, our struggling math students write to tell us that our tutors are "life savers." Many students find that they are able to understand math for the first time because they can ask our knowledgeable tutors as many questions as they like.
Why is the cost so affordable?
We have specialized in math and helping students get unstuck while doing their math homework. The combination of step-by-step solutions with instant live tutoring creates a graduated approach that greatly reduces cost.
What do students need for their computer?
A computer connected to the internet with a modern browser using Flash version 8 or later. Both step-by-step solutions and instant live tutoring work fine on a 56K dial-up connection.
What math subjects are covered?
Grades-6-8 math, Pre-algebra, Algebra Readiness, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Precalculus, College Algebra, and Calculus are covered.
Is student identity secure?
- No contact information such as name or email address is revealed to the tutor.
- Tutors are absolutely forbidden to ask a student's private information and are closely monitored by live reviewers and automated software.
- All tutors are carefully certified and continuously reviewed.
- All questions and answers are kept for review by students, parents, and administrators.
How are tutors certified?
Credentials are background checked, and all new tutors are trained to our style of tutoring via a rigorous online course that they must pass with flying colors before they begin. Tutors are closely monitored and our tutor training is ongoing. Each tutor session is ranked by the student, and all low ranked sessions are reviewed with the tutor to assure they can meet our standards. Teachers using Tutoring Plus are encouraged to make suggestions about tutors that they feel could use improvement.
Do I have to train my staff?
No, Hotmath Tutoring Plus works with your current curriculum with no need to hire new teachers or train existing staff. We work with your textbooks and assist students with concepts that meet your state standards. Simply decide on your strategy for using Hotmath Tutoring Plus and begin immediately.
What federal grants may apply to purchase of Hotmath Tutoring Plus?
Please view our Grants Summary page to see if you have any of these funds available to you.
