04/01/2008Using E-Mail to Mentor StudentsBy Melissa VenableIntroduction to Online Mentoring
Students in higher education are increasingly using varied means of technology to communicate. The use of e-mail as a communication tool is becoming widespread at all levels in educational settings. This article takes a closer look at what it means to mentor online, presents several advantages and disadvantages of mentoring through e-mail communication, and provides suggestions for those interested in developing an online mentoring program. Typically, an online mentorship program consists of two groups, working professionals willing to serve as mentors and students interested in learning from someone already working in their career field of interest. An administrative effort is also required to manage the primary activities of the program: recruiting, matching, orientation/training, and follow-up. (Many of the commercial online college careers and recruiting system platforms also include options for basic management of career mentor volunteers.) Students are matched with mentors based on career interests, gender, ethnicity, or other criteria, based on the goals of the specific mentorship program. Establishing realistic expectations through an orientation or initial training is important for both mentor and mentee. Participants need to know how to get started and what to expect regarding frequency of e-mail and appropriate discussion topics. Mentors and students exchange e-mail messages addressing areas of common interest. Professionals mentoring students in higher education may take on a number of roles including (Ensher, Heun, and Blanchard 2003):
Follow-up should be scheduled periodically. This effort will ensure that both mentor and student feel the process is beneficial and that both are interested in continuing in the mentoring relationship. Re-matching may be necessary and desirable if an initial match does not meet the expectations of the mentor or mentee.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Considerations for Practice
Conclusion
E-mail is a tool that is widely available and in use by students, career service facilitators, and working professionals. E-mail tools usually require no additional support staff or equipment to adapt to mentoring tasks. Thinking of ways to employ this existing tool in the career development process can benefit students in their career decision making. An online mentorship program may be a way to extend the reach of career service facilitators and working professionals. While there is little research on the effectiveness of online mentorship, those who are involved with these programs are beginning to publish articles about their experiences. This information is helpful and recommended to those who are considering mentorship program development. References and Resources Burns, M. (2006). Improving student writing through e-mail mentoring. Learning and Leading with Technology, (33)5, 38-43.
Cravens, J. (2003). Creating a Successful Online Mentoring Program. In Corporation for National and Community Service Effective Practices Collection. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from http://nationalserviceresources.org/epicenter/practices/index.php?ep_action=view&ep_id=913 Duff, C. (2000). Online mentoring. Educational Leadership, (58)2, 49-52. Ensher, E., Heun, C., & Blanchard, A. (2003). Online mentoring and computer-mediated communication: New directions in research. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 63, 264-288.
Author update: email:melissa.a.venable@gmail.com Melissa Venable, PhD works at HigherEducation.com where she creates web content on a wide range of topics related to college and career decision-making. In this role she also conducts an annual research project reporting online education trends, and moderates a weekly Twitter chat covering issues in technology and higher education. Melissa is also a certified career coach, and currently teaches online courses as an adjunct instructor for Saint Leo University and the University of South Florida. Melissa was the NCDA Technology Committee chair from 2012 to 2017. She also participated in the Leadership Academy class of 2015. Her work has been published in Career Convergence, Career Development Quarterly, and Career Developments. Melissa is a frequent presenter at NCDA conferences, and collaborates with Deb Osborn as the “Technology Twins” to present sessions, publish a blog, and manage a Twitter account devoted to career development and technology topics. She is also a regular contributor to the Career Planning & Adult Development Networks newsletter and journal. Melissa Venable, Ph.D., was the Project Manager/Instructional Designer for the Distance Course Design & Consulting Group, College of Education, University of Hawaii - Manoa. In addition to online course development, Melissa’s background includes student support positions in higher education career services and academic advising. She has also provided career services in a government/military setting. Melissa is particularly interested in the development of online support services for distance students. 0 Comments |