13 Responses

1. eMentoring works!!
   eMentoring works very well if implemented via a well structured Knowledge Management System allied with a user structured portal. Ant training programme need a realtime escape when a lerener is lost confused or just plain bored. I have several very good examples of eMentoring in action at both large and small business communities. Email for more info.

   Gary Lake

2. Learner Satisfaction
   I am presently working on a project to recruit online tutors and mentors. In our own research we have found that rentention rates and learner satisfaction have been greatly improved by the existence of an online mentor/facilitator to guide them through any difficulties and to setup the ‘learning environment’, ie conference boards & chat areas. As an online learner myself, it is a great relief to know there is always someone to ask in even the most ‘self-learn’ of the self learn courses!

3. mentoring
   SKIP BASIEL (pros@mdx.ac.uk) is conducting some research about on line learning with students folloiwng work based learning projects.

4. e-Mentoring
   Frances, I have led a team of e-mentors for the last three years, and feel I can bring a little experience to bear.

   Yes, e-mentoring does work, but how well depends on a lot of factors – the technology your mentors use, the extent to which people have bought into e-learning, the amount of synchronous content, to name but a few. Is there any particular aspect you’re wondering about?

5. Two sources
   Try Gilly Salmon’s home page – she is at the Open University Business School and has some good theory.

   http://oubs.open.ac.uk/gilly

   Also take a look at Notschool, an e-mentoring system for kids that have dropped through every safety net in the education system.

   http://www.notschool.net/

   Good luck.

6. Mentor, Coach or Moderator?
   Tris beat me to to it with the Gilly Salmon reference but I then wondered if we’re talking about the same or different thing…Gilly Salmon in particular is describing the more facilitative role (arguably founded in constructivist principles of learning) but isn’t a mentor the expert role? Don’t they have expertise, experience, knowledge and skill to pass on? (1500 words – Discuss)

7. e-mentoring does work – but it’s not for everyone!
   I have been tutoring online for more than 3 years. Some advice, based on my own experience: you must set up reliable communication lines with your trainee and try and establish a good rapport from the outset. Give positive feedback frequently; don’t allow them to feel isolated; try to get your personality to come through in your communications; motivate them when necessary (which is often – because “out of sight – out of mind”). I have references too if you want to e-mail me.

8. Some benefits of e-mentoring
   When I was doing my research into mentoring relationships I had an interesting discussion with Belle Rose Ragins from the USA – a major contributor to research in the area – she proposed some thought provoking issues when mentoring happens by e. For instance if you never meet the person or speak over the phone you may be free of bias and stereotyping influences which occur when you speak and meet. What if the mentor does not even disclose their gender, colour, race, appearance, age etc?
   It was of interest to her as her research addresses many issues around mentoring and stereotyping and the influence of gender on mentoring relationships and subsequent success.
   I have a major literature review and annotated bibliography (150 plus articles/books) on my research into mentoring appearing in the library section soon for anyone who is that way inclined.

9. Making e-mentoring work
   Frances (and others),

   I’m enjoying this discussion thread – lots of useful ideas and reminders. Here’s a few more to add in:

   I agree with Richard Hale – there are some people who will respond better to online mentoring simply because they feel under less pressure. They can respond in their own time and in their own way. They can control the pace better. Of course, many will still prefer face-to-face, but as with any form of learning, its helpful to understand learning styles and preferences in order to match to methods. Online mentoring is only just another tool – to be used when appropriate.

   From the mentee’s perspective, the critical factor is their trust in the mentor. So how does the effective mentor set about establishing that trust? e.g. disclosure of information about themselves, availability offline as well, quick responses, demonstrating their sensitivity … Online mentors need to think this one through.

   And not all mentoring need necessarily be one-to-one. Many online participants will also welcome the support and diversity of a group online event – using text chat or online conferencing software – where the focus is less direct and personal

   Tim Pickles
   Founder, TrainingZONE