Introducing HelpNow

HelpNow from Brainfuse is an online learning platform offering tutoring and homework help for learners of all ages.

Professional tutors are available daily, for 24 hours a day (excluding holidays) to help with math, reading, science, social studies, history, geography and language arts for students in grades K-12. French and Spanish tutors are available through the Language Lab. Students communicate with tutors using an interactive whiteboard to write, draw, copy/paste text or images relating to homework problems.

The Adult Learning Centre provides support with résumés, cover letters, Microsoft Office software, Canadian citizenship test preparation and other academic skills.

In addition to live tutoring, HelpNow has many other resources available for learners of all ages.

Using HelpNow

Get started right away by visiting the HelpNow website. If you are using a library computer or library Wi-Fi, you'll be connected right away. If you are at home or school, you will need to enter your Middlesex County Library card number. Be sure to include the starting zero, and don't use spaces.

For basic information about using and naviagting HelpNow, check out our PDF Getting Started Guide.

A Brainfuse account is not needed to access live tutoring and the other basic features of HelpNow. If you'd like to be able to use more features on the website or use the app, you can create an account by following the directions in our guide.

Need additional help?

Try this support document from Brainfuse, or check our FAQs.

Still stuck?

Contact Brainfuse support, or contact us with your question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click or tap on a question to expand the answer:

When is Live Tutoring from HelpNow available?

Tutors are available daily, for 24 hours a day, excluding holidays. All other HelpNow services are always available.

How are the tutors selected?

Tutors are screened, hired and managed directly by Brainfuse. They are professional tutors, graduate students and college faculty members. Only tutors with proven backgrounds in tutoring/teaching in their respective fields are hired by Brainfuse. Over 80% of tutors have a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in their field. Brainfuse regularly reviews and updates its tutor recruiting, training and monitoring procedures.

Do I need to create an account with Brainfuse?

You only need to create an account if you wish to:

use the Brainfuse Apple or Android app submit a writing assignment, résumé or cover letter for review/feedback
use the SkillSurfer, LEAP Learning Platform, eParachute, MEET or Brainwave services
submit a homework question to get help without connecting to a live tutor

Can I use HelpNow on a library computer and from home?

Yes, HelpNow is available both from home and the library. If you are using HelpNow from home, you will need to enter your library card number.

Can I use HelpNow on my phone or tablet?

Yes. The Brainfuse app is available for Apple and Android. A Brainfuse account is required to use the app.
The Brainfuse app is useful for connecting to live tutors, submitting assignments to the writing lab and accessing flashcards in FlashBulb. The app does not provide access to all features of HelpNow. For optimal experience, use a web browser to create a Brainfuse account and access SkillSurfer, LEAP Learning Platform, MEET, Brainwave, eParachute and the test preparation and career resources in the Adult Learning Centre.

How can I get help writing a paper?

HelpNow offers a Writing Lab to assist students with organizational structure, fluency and coherence of ideas and style. The purpose of the service is not to write or edit papers, but to help students improve the organization and presentation of their thoughts. To submit a paper, select Writing Lab and sign in with your Brainfuse account. To create an account, select Sign up. Expect feedback and suggested changes within 24 hours in the Message Centre section of your Brainfuse account.

What services are available for adult learners?

In the Adult Learning Centre, tutors provide support with résumé and cover letter creation, Microsoft Office software, Canadian Citizenship test preparation and other academic skills.

What is SkillSurfer?

SkillSurfer includes lessons, quizzes and practice tests aligned with the Ontario curriculum to help students master academic concepts. It also provides standardized test preparation, such as TOEFL and EQAO, career preparation, research and presentation skills resources.

What is the Language Lab?

The Language Lab allows you to connect with a live tutor to help you learn French or Spanish.

What is LEAP?

LEAP is a diagnostic test center with study lessons. It includes courses on ACT, GED Canada, College Readiness and SAT. A Brainfuse account is required to access these courses.

What is FlashBulb?

FlashBulb allows you to create your own interactive learning games, quizzes and flashcards as study tools. FlashBulb requires the creation of an additional account specifically for this service. Note that existing FlashBulbs created by other students may include content that is out of date.

What is eParachute?

eParachute offers a career-related quiz to help discover your strengths to map out a future career. Note that salary information and job listings are U.S. based.

What is MEET?

MEET provides students with a private virtual study space for collaborative work sessions.

What is Brainwave?

Brainwave allows you to record a movie of your activity on the Brainfuse whiteboard. Brainwave is ideal for recording solutions to homework problems, class projects or any other concepts that involve motion or sequencing.

Do I have to complete the survey that comes up at the end of my session?

The survey after the homework help session is completely optional. It is used to gather feedback on the homework help provided. Close the window or leave everything in the boxes blank to skip the survey.