Robo-grinds

OK, not quite robo-grinds but if any of those Leaving Cert revision schools are proving too hard to get into for you or your kids, one wacky idea could save the day: online tutorials.

Irish firm RevFacto is betting the huge demand for grinds coupled with the shortage/cost of places means students will be willing to try LeavingCertOnline.ie - where qualified teachers will be on hand to help with the cramming in a virtual classroom. The service is audio-only (over broadband and dial-up) but with a whiteboard feature and the ability to talk back (no, not back-chat).

Will it work? Who knows but it'll cost you €300 (for 12 tutorials) to find out. So far, Irish, English and Maths are the subjects on offer.