Students in grades K-12, plus college, can utilize the services provided with HelpNow and receive help with homework, writing, FAFSA applications, and more! Brainfuse's HelpNow program is free for PCDL patrons to use with their library card and PIN.
Please visit HelpNow's PCDL login page to begin utilizing the service.
Full list of services provided by HelpNow:
- Live Tutoring: live tutoring is provided seven days a week, from 2pm - 11pm EST. Tutors are vetted and are experts in their field and cover all subjects for all ages.
- Writing Lab: receive expert online writing assistance. Upload your writing assignment to the Writing Lab to be reviewed and returned with in-text comments from writing experts within one business day.
- SkillSurfer: live skills building and a library of lessons, videos, tests, and more. The following areas are covered:
- Lower elementary school (K-2)
- Upper elementary school (3-5)
- Middle school (6-8)
- High School (9-12)
- College courses & admissions help
- College entrance test prep
- PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP Prep, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, CLEP Prep, THEA, Nursing Entrance Exams (TEAS, HESI)
- Praxis practice tests
- ASVB preparation and practice
- Computers and technology
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Google, Computer programming certifications
- ELL (English Language Learner)
- Research and presentation skills
- Adult learner resources (includes GED help)
- Parent Corner (also available in Spanish)
- Videos, helpful articles, information on homeschooling and remote learning
- Life Skills
- Time management, financial & media literacy, creative thinking, practical skills, academic skills for real life
- Send Question: send a question and receive an expert reply within 24 hours. Includes the ability to attach supporting documentation to better describe your question.
- Language Lab: live help for language learners. Connect with a language tutor for Spanish and French or utilize the vocabulary builder for games, quizzes, flashcards, and spoken pronunciations to help learn a new language.
- Live Chess Tutoring: learn chess strategies and improve your cognitive thinking with an expert chess coach. Other online resources are also available.
- Live FAFSA Help: get live help filling out your FAFSA application. Experts can assist with any application questions. Experts will never request sensitive personally identifiable information.
- Summer Camp: sharpen your math, science, and writing skills, and avoid the "summer slide." For grades K-12. Includes test prep and parent resources.
- LEAP Learning Platform: diagnostic test center with customized study plans, lessons, and live tutoring.
- FlashBulb: create and share flashcards, tests, and games. Pre-made flashcards are also available for hundreds of subjects.
- eParachute: discover the college majors and careers that match your skills and interests.
- MEET: schedule sessions with friends in our private, virtual study room.
- Brainwave: create and share movie-like notes and ideas.