Controlling Your Online Learning Destiny: A Guide for Tweens and Teens

Are you a savvy distance learning pro? Or are you struggling to adjust to the new normal? Either way, we are all in this together, and San Mateo County Libraries has the resources and tools to improve your online learning experience.

Live Tutoring, Virtual Study Rooms, Online Writing Labs and More

Perhaps you are stuck on that impossible pre-calculus or algebra problem? Or maybe you can't settle on a thesis statement for an important paper? HelpNow is your one-stop shop for free online educational resources, from live tutoring to virtual study rooms.

HelpNow's "Expert Help" section includes live tutoring available 7-days a week from 1-10 PM, online writing labs, and the SkillSurfer learning library with lessons, videos, tests and guides at all school levels.

In the "Study" section, you can create online flashcards, find customizable study plans and lessons, and discover college majors and careers that match your interests. The "Collaborate" section also allows users to meet with friends virtually in a private study room, and create and share movie-like notes and ideas.

An app is available in the App Store, opens a new window and Google Play Store, opens a new window.

Online Research Tools for Middle and High School

Our Libraries provide a powerful suite of research and reference databases through EBSCOhost, where you can search and browse everything from magazines to reference books. EBSCOhost's Explora databases for middle school and high school students is geared for teen research with subjects like Art and Literature, Biography, Business and Government, Current Issues, Geography, Health, History, and Science and Math.

What about that paper that’s due next week on Grapes of Wrath? Use Literary Reference Center Plus to find some great sources for your essay. Another EBSCOhost tool worth a gander is NoveList, where you can find your next great book to read. NoveList provides the ability to browse books by subject, genre, or read-alikes based on titles you have already read.

Do you have an upcoming assignment on the election or COVID-19? NewsBank empowers you to find news articles by trending topic.

This is just a sampling of resources available for our teen and tween users. Check out other resources available at your fingertips through our teen resources page, opens a new window.

Which of our online resources have you found helpful? Let us know below!