Students tackle e-tutoring
An exciting new online teaching initiative is taking Wits by storm.
Students can now get help online, with IQMate.com. Third year applied maths student, Houston Muzamhindo created the teaching website.
“Students can watch video tutorials online that are relevant to their courses. They can post questions and get answers,” enthused Zandi Keebine, Computational Applied Maths Masters student. She is one of the students who contributed to the site.
www.IQmates.com is targeted towards any student who is struggling with maths, accounting, physics and engineering.
“We are specifically trying to get first years and undergrads involved as we feel it will be a great help to their studies.”
In fact, “Any person, from any school, in any country can access the website and get help,” said Keebine.
The tutorials are structured according to the syllabus, so it stays relevant and up to date.
The website can also be a useful way for students to get in touch with tutors who could give them extra lessons or one-on-one guidance.
There are group discussions on the site where anyone can contribute by providing useful information.
This space provides a free market of ideas where students get access to various sources.
“Sometimes notes given in class aren’t enough and students need more practice and explanation in order to understand,” said Keebine.
By getting a variety of opinion, students can grasp ideas better and receive information that is more comprehendible.
Gone are the days of having to search Google or YouTube for hours, trying to get answers. Now a quick and easy portal gives students access to help any time of day.
The Science Teaching and Learning Centre’s, Dr Ann Cameron, had been involved in researching innovative education methods and helped to connect students to other lecturers.
Head of Schools for Computational and Applied Maths, Prof Ebrahim Momoniat supports the initiative. He helped the students set up the online teaching tool. There are plans to expand the website to include more subjects from other faculties.
The website IQmates.com is up and running and ready to help. For online tutoring go to www.IQmates.com and sign up.
