Tutoring and Office Hours
Many of us are facing our first semester entirely online. Current events require students to quickly gain technological proficiency. The resources below are designed to help GRCC students learn how to use Zoom technology effectively for virtual class attendance, tutoring, and professors' office hours.
Tutoring: The New Format
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, GRCC has moved all of its tutoring services to an online format. While this may be new for many students, this page on the GRCC website provides all the necessary information. Watch the video below for a preview of the tutoring methods used by GRCC tutors!
**This video is also published on the GRCC website and on the tutoring labs' Blackboard pages.**
Office Hours
Many professors now hold virtual office hours through Zoom or Google Meet. The new format can be difficult for both students and professors. But virtual office hours have the potential to be just as helpful as in-person office hours, provided that both parties are equipped to use the technology well. Watch the video below for a role-play of an office hours scenario over Zoom.
Casting:
Student: Duc Nguyen Chau (GRCC student)
Professor: Leigh Kleinert (Biology department)
Tips for Virtual Office Hours:
Be prepared to learn when you log onto your professor's virtual office hours! Here are some tips to help you make the most of each visit:
-
Know if your professor's office hours are drop-in or appointment-based. Especially in today's world, many professors have opted to offer only appointment-based office hours. Check the syllabus to know for sure. If office hours are by appointment only, email your professor or follow the previously-provided link to schedule a meeting.
-
Be prepared to share your screen. In many cases, having your professor looking at your homework as you chat will be incredibly helpful. Have the tab or word document loaded up before logging on to save time. Also, watch the video above to know how your professor can permit you to screen share. Many professors may not know how to give participants screen-sharing privileges.
-
Ask if you can record a meeting, but don't be surprised if your professor says no. Many professors will be happy to allow you to record the meeting, but others will not be comfortable with being recorded.
-
If the virtual office hour format is causing you problems in your learning, communicate this to your professor. Your professor would almost certainly be happy to brainstorm with you and figure out a way to help you regardless of technology struggles.