What is the online service?

The online service allows students and tutors to meet online at an appointed time using Elluminate software. Students will need a microphone and speakers to use the service (like what is used with Skype). A headset works best. Please allow 24 hours notice to set up an online appointment.

Before the appointed time, the link to the website address and instructions will be sent so that students, at the appointed time, can enter the website. Students will also be asked to forward their assignment file, any questions, and the assignment handout to their tutor. In response to the questions, tutors will post relevant parts of the essay to the whiteboard, which can be seen by both parties.

The Elluminate software allows the student and the tutor to communicate in the same way as a face-to-face appointment in the Writing Centre, but from the comfort of their homes or anywhere they are using a computer.  Like the face-to-face service, we answer questions and teach students how to improve problem areas in their writing.

Note: we are not editors or a proofreading service. We teach students how to become better writers so that they can edit their own work. Presenting the work of an editor (or tutor) as a student’s own writing is a form of Academic Dishonesty (see TRU’s academic Integrity policy).

Who can use this service?

Any student registered at TRU can use the service, as well as any faculty or staff.

How do writers make an online appointment?

• Come in to the Writing Centre (OM 2674) and ask for one.
• Call the Writing Centre at 250 371-5689
• Email the Writing Centre at  writing_ctr@tru.ca.

Note: All sessions on Elluminate will be recorded for stats and evaluation purposes only. The sessions will help us develop a FAQ site to help subsequent users of Elluminate. The recordings will not be posted anywhere or used for any other purposes. After one year, the recordings will be deleted.