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Pandemic sees massive increase in use of Council’s free online student service

Online-study

A PROGRAM that helps students with essays and schoolwork through Wollongong City Libraries has seen a 180 per cent increase in use over the same period 12 months ago.

During March more than 200 students accessed Studiosity – a free online service for students from Year 3 to Year 12 and early Uni or TAFE students – from Council’s Library website . In March 2019, 72 students accessed the free online service.

“The past few weeks have been particularly tough for students and parents as schools have moved their classrooms online and families are trying to strike a balance between home-schooling and work,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.

“Wollongong City Libraries have offered Studiosity since 2016 as a way to provide online help with homework and study from qualified teachers, professional tutors and university specialists. It’s available 24 hours a day, although we are finding that students get online between 4pm and 11pm, with Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays the busiest days for March. We anticipate when the numbers come in for April, there will be a further increase.’’

In March 2020 Studiosity offered 202 tutorials in maths, science, business, English and writing; feedback for students on their essays, speeches, short stories, business letters and resumes, with 88 per cent of students connected with a tutor in less than five minutes. Year 12 students were the most active group.

Studiosity offers online chat to ask questions any time a student is stuck or needs extra help. Students can send their assignment through for feedback before it is handed in for marking. You can also use Studiosity for help with your resume, job application and interview tips, speech writing and public speaking.

Wollongong City Libraries also delivers a wealth of digital services every day – eBooks, eMagazines, eAudiobooks, movie streaming, and online training. See the Library website for details.

“I encourage all students and parents to visit our Library website and look at this study assistance program. Whether it is for yourself or your family, our Library Services continues to make its resources available during these times,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“Following this increase in the number of students accessing our online one-on-one tutoring service in March we have extended access to this tutoring service.”

Studiosity is available 24/7 and all you need is your Library card to log in. If you are not yet a member of Wollongong City Libraries, you can join online

About Mick Roberts

A journalist, writer and historian, Mick Roberts specialises in Australian cultural history, particularly associated with the Australian hotel and liquor industry. Mick has had an interest in revealing the colourful story of Australian pubs and associated industries for over 30 years. He is working on a comprehensive history of the hotel and liquor industry in the Illawarra region of NSW. Besides writing a number of history books, Mick managed several community newspapers. He has been editor of the Wollongong Northern News, The Bulli Times, The Northern Times, The Northern Leader and The Local - all located in the Wollongong region. As a journalist he has worked for Rural Press, Cumberland (News Limited), the Sydney city newspaper, City News, and Torch Publications based in Canterbury Bankstown, NSW.

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