A new online service that offers Leaving Certificate grinds to Irish students in their own homes is due to go live next Monday.
Operated by e-learning firm Revfacto, the Leavingcertonline.ie portal will initially provide live online tutorials in English, maths and Irish. This follows a survey conducted via the portal indicating that these subjects are of most interest among higher and ordinary-level students intending to use the new online grinds service.
Leavingcertonline.ie has been developed by Revfacto in partnership with Hibernia College that is providing the underlying e-learning technologies and online tutorial management expertise. The service is operated by Dr Nicholas Breakwell, CEO of Revfacto, who obtained a degree in psychology and postdoctorate in neuroscience from University of Birmingham and is an expert in distance and e-learning.
Places will be granted on a first come, first served basis. The cost of 12 sessions is €300 or €25 per session. Each session will form a clearly defined revision module.
Each tutorial is recorded and can be retained by the participating student for further review as often as necessary. Complementing each session, a complete set of revision notes will be available. These will be of significant benefit to students when preparing for final examinations. In addition, all students have access to a special student discussion forum, monitored by the teacher, where they can post pertinent questions and interact with other leaving certificate students on a daily basis. All teachers involved in the service are fully qualified and experienced.
Breakwell commented: “Leavingcertonline.ie offers benefits for everyone. Students anywhere in Ireland, can revise in an exciting new way while maximising the time available for exam preparation. For parents it is a safe, cost-effective and highly convenient alternative to traditional grinds. And teachers are able to focus on what they do best – teaching – without the normal pressures of the classroom.”
Leaving Certificate students can register with www.leavingcertonline.ie,/b> for a free live tutorial, taking place tomorrow Tuesday 8 February and Wednesday 9 February from 6.30pm-7.30pm. This live sample grind will show students how the virtual classroom software works and will provide useful tips and advice on preparing for the Leaving Certificate exams. All participating students will have the opportunity to ask questions about the service. A standard internet connection is required.
By Brian Skelly
