Welcome to HelpNow by BrainFuse. What is HelpNow? HelpNow is an online resource that connects you to people who are experts in their subject areas. They work with you online to help you with specific homework problems or a paper you're writing, a subject area you find difficult, even resumé/cover letter writing.

Want to try HelpNow right away? Have your DPPL card ready, and click this link to enter HelpNow. You will be able to choose from a menu of tutoring topics.

FAQs

• Q: Can anyone use HelpNow?

A: Yes, if you use HelpNow on the computers in the Des Plaines Public Library. If you wish to use HelpNow outside of the Library, you must have a current DPPL card number.

• Q: During what hours is HelpNow available?

A: From 3 - 11:55 PM, seven days a week. For a list of holidays when HelpNow is unavailable or has shorter hours, click here.

• Q: What grade levels benefit from HelpNow tutoring?

A: While the service is designed for students from grades 3-12, early college students and career-minded adults will also find it useful.

• Q: How do I get started?

A: Click the "HelpNow" link here or from the lists of databases/online library resources from our Web site. Choose the type of help you want by clicking on the colorful buttons. You'll be asked for a subject area and, if applicable, your grade. Again, have your library card handy if you are at home.

• Q: What's the difference between "Homework Help" and "Live Skills Building?"

A: When you need help with your homework, select "Homework Help." If you need help with a specific academic skill, such as mastering long division or improving your reading comprehension, select "Skills Building."

• Q: How does the Writing Lab work?

A: The Writing Lab offers two kinds of help. The first is immediate help in the beginning stages of the writing process to help with organizing your ideas. The second gives you more detailed suggestions within 24 hours after you submit your writing in a file format. Tutors will respond with suggestions that may include , focusing on voice, word choice, grammar, content, sentence fluency, and organization. Please note that tutors do not write or edit essays for students.

In order to use the Writing Lab, you must first log on or create an account.

• Q: How do I submit a resumé or cover letter for proofreading?

A: Resumés and cover letters should be submitted to the Writing Lab in an acceptable file format, such as .doc, .txt, .pdf, etc. In order to use the Writing Lab, you must first log on or create an account.

• Q: What is the advantage of registering with the site?

A: Registration is optional, FREE, and easy. With a username and password you can review past sessions and use the writing lab.

• Q: Why am I being told I need to download software?

A: In order to take advantage of HelpNow’s live whiteboard feature, you may need to download a small software component to your computer. This only takes a moment and won’t damage your computer or take up a lot of memory. When you make a selection from the first HelpNow menu, you’ll be told if the necessary software is not installed on your computer. Follow the directions to enable the interactive features by installing ActiveX Control.

Mac users: If you have to manually install the HelpNow/Brainfuse application, you must drag it from your Downloads to your Applications folder before HelpNow will work.

• Q: Who are HelpNow Tutors?

A: HelpNow tutors are trained and certified by Brainfuse, the company that provides this service. All tutors have been cleared with thorough background and reference checks, must possess a four-year degree, and have prior teaching/tutoring experience. All tutors are US based.

• Q: What Academic/School Subjects are Offered?

A: HelpNow is available for students in grades K – Adult learners in the following subjects:



• Math, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus;
• Science, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science;
• Social Studies, including US History, and World History;
• English/Language Arts:
  1. Writing Assistance consists of three components:
     
     1. Live writing assistance during the initial stages of the writing process to help students with organizational structure, idea trees, general conceptual hierarchy, etc.
     2. State-aligned skills building exercises that challenge students to respond to a series of writing prompts and short exercises.
     3. 24-Hour Writing Lab (see Writing Lab info above)
  2. Reading Comprehension/Grammar/Vocabulary Skills Building through one-on-one sessions that draw from our library of state-aligned reading passages and questions.
  3. Literature in English

Assistance with learning Spanish is also available

HelpNow Holiday Schedule:

• Columbus Day - closed all day
• Veterans Day - closed all day
• Day Before Thanksgiving - closed after 7 PM EST
• Thanksgiving Day - closed all day
• Day After Thanksgiving Day - closed all day
• Thanksgiving Weekend - closed Saturday and Sunday
• Day Before Christmas Eve - closed after 7 PM EST
• Christmas Eve - closed all day
• Christmas Day - closed all day
• Day After Christmas Day - closed all day
• New Year's Eve - closed all day
  
  
• 2010 Holiday Schedule:
• New Year's Day - closed all day
• Day After New Year's Day - closed all day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - closed all day
• President's Day Weekend - closed both Saturday and Sunday all day
• President's Day - closed all day
• Saturday Before Easter Sunday - closed after 7 PM EST
• Easter Sunday - closed all day
• Memorial Day - closed all day
• Day Before Independence Day - closed all day
• Independence Day - closed all day
• Day After Independence Day - closed all day
• Labor Day Weekend - closed both Saturday and Sunday all day
• Labor Day - closed all day
• Day before Columbus day - closed after 7 pm EST
• Columbus Day - closed all day
• Veterans Day - closed all day
• Day Before Thanksgiving - closed after 7 PM EST
• Thanksgiving Day - closed all day
• Day After Thanksgiving Day - closed all day
• Thanksgiving Weekend - closed both Saturday and Sunday all day
• Day Before Christmas Eve - closed after 7 PM EST
• Christmas Eve - closed all day
• Christmas Day - closed all day
• Day After Christmas Day - closed all day
• Day before New Year's Eve - closed after 7 pm EST
• New Year's Eve - closed all day