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Getting Started with Brainfuse

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

Professional tutors are available 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. A personal Brainfuse account is not required for live homework help.

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, Brainfuse has many other resources available for learners of all ages.

What You Need

A valid Toronto Public Library card.

How to Use Brainfuse

Brainfuse Live Tutoring:

  1. Sign into Brainfuse with your library card number and PIN (usually the last four numbers of your phone number).
  2. Select Live Tutoring.
  3. Select your grade and subject.
  4. Select Get Live Help to enter the online classroom. You will be connected with a tutor who will provide online assistance.

Résumé and cover letter support:

  1. Sign into Brainfuse with your library card number and PIN (usually the last four numbers of your phone number).
  2. Select Adult Learners from the main menu.
  3. Select Write a Winning Résumé. There are three steps to creating your résumé.
    1. Online Resources provides résumé templates and guides to assist in creating a draft of your résumé.
    2. Upload Résumé sends your draft résumé to a Brainfuse career coach. A Brainfuse account is required for this step. Expect to receive feedback and suggested changes within 24 hours in the Message Centre section of your Brainfuse account.
    3. Get Live Résumé Help connects you with a career coach to review the feedback you received on your draft résumé.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Brainfuse available?
Brainfuse is available every day from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., excluding holidays when the library is closed. All other Brainfuse 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 would like to:
  • save your homework help session
  • 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 Brainfuse on a library computer and from home?
Yes, Brainfuse is available from home and the library. On public library computers, the Brainfuse whiteboard feature works best using the HTML5 version, which is the default. If you are using Brainfuse from home, you will need to enter your library card number and PIN.
Can I use Brainfuse 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 Brainfuse HelpNow whiteboard does not display well on smartphones due to the small size of the screen. The app does not provide access to all features of Brainfuse. 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?
Brainfuse 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.
How can I get more help using Brainfuse?
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