Students throughout regional Queensland will be able to access free one-to-one tutoring thanks to a CQUniversity-sponsored service recently launched by a range of libraries.

This initiative is based on a ground-breaking partnership between the University, the State Library of Queensland (SLQ), and public libraries. It was recently launched* and demonstrated at the Noosa Library (on April 21).

Ross Maunsell (yourtutor) demonstrates the service

Students from grades 4-12 can choose to get help in English, essay writing, maths, science, assignment research, and study skills - every subject area has qualified tutors waiting for the students to log in and ask questions.

Libraries have embraced the commitment to providing first-class services for young people in the area.

Students only need a library card and an internet connection to log in.

"The service gives our local students the opportunity to embrace technologies that put them in touch with additional support for classroom-based work," CQUniversity Noosa spokesperson Susan Richardson said.

"Now we have an educational resource to make learning more accessible for any student, regardless of their economic background.

Neil Butler (CQUniversity Director of Marketing), Maureen O'Shea (Young People's Librarian), Tracey King (Noosa Library Coordinator), Susan Richardson (CQUniversity Noosa Campus Academic Manager), Ross Maunsell (yourtutor)

"Even though more than one million Australian school kids receive conventional tutoring each year, the cost is too much for many parents. We believe every student should be able to get the help they need to succeed at school, regardless of their circumstances".

Online tutoring is widespread internationally, and now a range of our communities are pioneering the service to support local students and the education revolution in Australia.

CQUniversity Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Angela Delves said sharing yourtutor www.yourtutor.com.au  across the state of Queensland would help schools, libraries, parents, and the community to empower students to learn.

"The service at its core encourages learning and makes it easier for a student to learn at his or her own pace, whether catching up to the rest of the class, or advancing," Professor Delves said.

Students communicate with the tutor by typing, drawing diagrams, uploading essay files for review, or sharing web pages until the question and process has been explained and the student comes up with the answer.

Ross Maunsell (yourtutor ), Neil Butler from CQUniversity and Ross Duncan (Sunshine Coast Regional Council - Manager, Learning Communities)

The service is also ideal for busy parents who are unable to assist their children with homework each night, or who cannot help with more advanced homework questions.

The yourtutor www.yourtutor.com.au  service is provided by Tutoring Australasia, a Sydney-located and Australian-owned company that is Australia's leading provider of online tutoring services. To-date the company has served more than 150,000 students in libraries and schools across the country.