SMARTHINKING | The leader in on-demand student support

Recognizing the need for online tutoring support for its students, Hodges decided in 2002 to start its own in-house online tutoring service. Usage was low, however, and the effort was discontinued. The on-campus tutoring center remained the sole provider of academic assistance.

A few years later, with the growth of Hodges’ online programs, it was decided that online tutoring was a much-needed service. Hodges also sought ways to accommodate the academic needs of its non-traditional students who have family and work commitments during regular school hours.

Hodges chose Smarthinking to provide online tutoring to its students in 2006. All students, on-campus as well as off-campus, have access to Smarthinking.

Increasing faculty and student awareness of Smarthinking was a priority. Hodges’ formal academic support program, Academic Achievement Services, developed a workshop as well as an online video to help faculty and students learn about Smarthinking. Email blasts and posters are also used to help faculty and students learn about Smarthinking. Instructors are reminded of the service during term meetings.

Hodges’ faculty has embraced Smarthinking and recommends it to their students; some instructors require Smarthinking as part of their course. Word of mouth referrals have also added to increased student usage of Smarthinking.

Hodges has found that Smarthinking helps them provide academic support to students in remedial English and math classes. But Smarthinking also helps students who need support in the sciences, accounting and advanced math subjects – subjects that Hodges own tutoring center could not help.

A survey of Smarthinking users is currently underway. But Smarthinking usage is up, indicating students’ positive reaction to the service.

"Smarthinking has made me be more successful with my papers. It is a wonderful tool to have, and anyone in college should use it."
Romina Beqiraj, Student