Online Tutors Say They've Got the Answers

By Kathleen Kennedy Manzo

Kristen Riley was having trouble understanding one of the minor characters in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations . With a project due the next day for her English class, which required her to take on the role of Wemmick, she needed some deeper insight into the character. And she needed it fast.

So the 10th grade honors student at Ocean City High School in New Jersey did what she normally does when she needs help with an assignment and doesn't have time to consult with teachers or classmates: She logged on to the Internet and linked to an online tutor.

Within minutes of checking into a chat room devoted to high school English, a teacher pointed her to excerpts in the book that give clues about the essence of the obscure clerk, suggested World Wide Web sites with analyses of the novel, and provided some tips for playing the role. The session helped Ms. Riley earn a top grade on...