Learning Help Desk

Developed in the pre-digital era, physical office hours are an anachronism in today's anytime-anywhere learning environments. For both the educator and the learner, the logistical demands of setting up an appointment and physically showing up in person can outweigh the benefits of such interaction. As more students work on- or off-campus, and as students become accustomed to instantaneous interaction in all aspects of their lives, waiting to seek clarification or receive assistance has become a non-starter.

These developments also mean that educators must be ready to respond at all hours of the day, no matter how many students seek help or how many questions a learner might have. Such expectations can amount to a substantial demand on faculty time. While most educators are willing to entertain emails or live-chats, there is no denying that this can fragment an educator's time and attention.

To provide students with the individualized attention they deserve, while preserving faculty time, we offer a Learning Help Desk, which is staffed by our Virtual TAs. As graduate-degree holders in the discipline, all they need are key learning points or extensions the instructor wishes to reinforce; they would then expertly steer online discussions.