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Patience, tact and broad knowledge have always been key attributes for the tutors on the line to answer questions at Albuquerque's Dial-A-Teacher program.

This year, they'll need some computer savvy, as well.

Starting Sept. 4, the teachers offering free homework help will use a Web-based, virtual classroom called Elluminate Live.

"What we are trying to do is increase the opportunity that students and teachers have for a quality learning environment," said Tom Ryan, Albuquerque Public Schools executive director of technology. "It is like having the teacher sitting right next to you."

Ryan said the service should help students avoid feeling discouraged when they can't find someone to help them with homework.

"This offers an opportunity not only to have a teacher that answers questions, but to have an environment where they can interact a lot more," he said.

Jorge Ganem, a lead teacher for the Dial-A-Teacher program, said the technology also helps with the large number of calls related to math and science.

Problems with geometry, fractions and graphs, for example, will be easier for the students and tutors to draw and visualize, Ganem said.

With the new system, students will be given a user ID and password to log on to a customized Web site and enter their virtual classroom environment for free.

They will then interact with teachers by using two-way voice communication or by writing in a shared white board. To use the system, you need a computer, microphone, speakers and Internet access.

Started in 2003 by the Albuquerque Teachers Federation, the Dial-A-Teacher program offers homework help to students in Spanish and English.

Last school year, the program received a total of 2,800 calls from students from elementary school to college students.

"Tutoring is basically a tool to help the kids do their homework but also help them with their self-confidence," Ganem said. "The best thing to hear after you are done (with the call) is how they say `I get it.' That's pretty rewarding."