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The E-Mentoring Program

A mentor and mentee enjoying a joint activity

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E-Mentoring Models

 

Considerations When Choosing A Model of E-Mentoring:

  • Program site technology capabilities and administrative guidelines

  • Age and location of participants

  • Goal(s) to be accomplished in the program

  • Potential referral sources for mentors as well as mentees

  • Access to available assistive technology

  • Appointment of a site coordinator

  • Time required for monitoring mentor/mentee interactions

 

E-Mentoring uses two models: group listservs and one-to-one mentor matches.

 

 

 

Group

All e-mentoring participants (mentors, student mentees, site coordinator and teachers) communicate as a group through the listserv. Participants post information and respond to questions from the entire group. The site coordinators monitor all listserv communication. The listserv focuses on academic and career goals as well as building relationships and social skills. Weekly e-mails can include ideas about the mentees' progress in the program

 

One-to-One

Individually matched mentor/student pairs communicate using e-mail. This relationship focuses on academic and career goals as well as building relationships and social skills. Program coordinators monitor all e-mail communication. E-mails and occasional social fathers can address ideas, questions, and concerns about the transition process. Communication is only between the mentor and mentee.

 

 

Group Listserv E-Mentoring Model:

 

 

 

Pros

  • All participants of the listserv can benefit from the discussion

  • Unmatched mentors/mentees can benefit.

  • Peer-to-peer mentoring occurs between students.

  • Program does not have to have equal number of mentors and mentees.

  • Exposure to a diverse range of culture, professions, ideas, and disabilities.

 

Cons

  • Some participants may not engage in conversation.

  • Some participants may not be interested in a specific listserv topic.

  • Mentor/mentee relationships may take longer to form.

  • Frequency of listserv e-mails can be overwhelming.

  • Listserv e-mails may not apply to all participants.

 

One-to-One E-Mentoring Model

 

 

  

Pros

  • Short and long term personal relationships emerge through matches mentor/mentee pairs.

  • Mentees receive an individualized review of their transition plan.

  • Personalized attention from a mentor is offered to each mentee.

 

 

Cons

  • Mentors and mentees may not access e-mail at the same frequency.

  • Matched pairs may not "connect."

  • More demands on coordinator to monitor higher volume of e-mails.

  • E-mail communication could be lop-sided.

 

 

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