CHECK THIS OUT: Libraries are more than just books
Article and graphic by Patte Smith
Did you know that Douglas County Libraries offers a novel approach to learning: online educational programs that benefit an array of people?
From toddlers to teens, college students to older adults, these collections of courses, resources, chronicles, and reference materials can be obtained by a click of the mouse. And, if you choose, you can access these amazing tools sitting in the comfort of your own home.
In the next few issues of The Castle Pines Connection we will feature a new chapter of some of the beneficial services offered by our county’s first-rate library system.
Chapter 1: Brainfuse, an eLearning experience for students and adults
Online homework help is just a click of the mouse away for students in grades 3-12. Douglas County Libraries cardholders can access Brainfuse’s free online homework help through its HelpNow service. Brainfuse is a unique blend of one-to-one homework help, state-aligned skills building, test preparation, and writing assistance.
The user-friendly online classroom encourages participation and allows tutors and students to communicate in real time – whatever the student types or draws, the tutor sees simultaneously. Spanish speaking tutors are also available.
In a recent Colorado Department of Education study, Brainfuse ranked first among all tutoring providers in both math and reading – with a math improvement rate of 30 percent and a reading improvement rate of 39.3 percent.
“Our online homework help services are a great resource for students and their parents, as well as adults interested in furthering their studies or their careers,” states Nanci Marr, marketing and communications specialist for Douglas County Libraries. “We hope residents of Douglas County take advantage of these useful tools.”
Brainfuse’s Adult Learning Center features live online tutoring, test preparation, writing assistance, and other services designed to help adults acquire critical and marketable academic skills. The center offers live help and one-to-one lessons in math, reading and writing. Tutoring is available to help individuals prepare for the U.S. citizenship test and the GED. Career resources can be found online and writing assistance helps adult patrons produce better business letters and winning resumes.
Brainfuse tools are provided to Douglas County Libraries’ patrons at no direct charge. Take advantage of this free educational program.
Log on to www.douglascountylibraries.org and click on the red eLearning icon on the top right side of the main page.
