School is back in session, and everyone is getting back into the routine. Guardians are working hard to make sure everything will run smoothly. But what do they do when their child asks for help with homework?
Helping children with homework or studying school subjects can prove more difficult than expected. Internet searches can give conflicting, confusing information. The library can assist students and families in getting the help they need to find and complete homework assignments and supplement classroom instruction.
Brainfuse, an online resource available free with a Cumberland County Public Library card, has a multitude of resources to help with a variety of topics and assignments.
Visiting the Brainfuse website unlocks many features that may prove useful for students and families. In the Expert Help section, there is a Live Tutoring feature. Students select their grade level and subject and in just a few seconds, they are matched with a live tutor. This service is available from 2 p.m. to midnight daily.
Brainfuse also has a writing lab for those interested in online writing help. Students can submit essays for review. The essay will then be reviewed and returned with suggestions for improvements – all within one business day.
Also available is SkillSurfer, a feature offering lessons, videos and practice tests on topics by grade level and subject. For times when the answer to a question just can’t be found, the "send question" feature will provide a reply within 24 hours. The "expert help" section also provides a language lab to help people learning Spanish.
Inside Brainfuse’s Study section is the LEAP Learning Platform, which provides a diagnostic test center with customized plans and live tutoring. The FlashBulb feature offers students the ability to create and share flashcards, as well as play learning games. Finally, there is eParachute, which allows students to discover college majors and careers that line up with their interests and skills.
“Brainfuse Help Now is an essential library resource for learners of all ages," said Faith Phillips, the Cumberland County Public Library director. "From test prep to live online tutoring, we are so glad to be able to offer this resource to our community – for free.”
For more information about Brainfuse and other library programs and services offered for free to the community, stop by any of the eight library locations, call 910-483-7727 or visit cumberlandcountync.gov/library.
Heather Power is youth services programming librarian at the Headquarters Library.
