Is there any profit to be had by assigning homework to Middle Schoolers - and if so, how much?

I've found that if they're industrious and get it done as soon as vacation starts, it doesn't stay with them when they return to school.

And if it's last-minute it usually comes in looking pretty rushed and rough. Is there a happy medium?

There’s a recent story here on Connect With Kids, about so-called E-Tutors.

(see http://www.connectwithkids.com/tipsheet/2006/311_dec13/thisweek/061213_india.shtml ).

The idea is kids can use their computers to talk to tutors in India, and get help for less than they would here.

I have real questions about whether such tutoring actually allows a child to get the level of study help needed. Has anyone had any experiences with E-Tutoring, one way or another? Was it helpful for your child?