Mentoring at a Distance: Technology Tips and Tools

12/01/2005

Mentoring at a Distance: Technology Tips and Tools

It is never too late to become what you might have been.
George Eliot

The July 13, 2005 issue of the Educator's Voice from the eCollege Instructional Design Team includes an article by Leslie Williams on "Mentoring at a Distance: Partnering with Technology." The article addresses the need for a more student-centered approach that offers adult learners a total learning experience.

Adult learners need a mentoring relationship with their online instructor that provides them with support, encouragement, and affirmation that encourages student retention and success in online learning. Williams points out a number of factors that contribute to a higher attrition rate for online learners. Contributing factors for this reason include the following:

• Tuition

• Motivators

• Feedback

• Instructor contact

• Student support and services

• Alienation and isolation

• Learning style and experience

A mentoring approach helps adult learners become acquainted with the technology and skills needed in the non-traditional online learning environment. Rather than becoming a barrier to academic success, the technology and online learning tools need to make it possible for the adult learner to have a rewarding experience that allows the opportunity to continue and complete his/her educational goals. Williams points out that adult learners expect a “return on investment” from their online learning experience and that there is no “one size fits all” solution. It takes both technology tools and human interactions and supporting instructor/student relationships to foster success for adult learners.

To read the entire article, go to www.ecollege.com/news/EdVoice.learn.

The Educator's Voice includes useful information and hands-on advice for educators who utilize eLearning tools. You can sign up for the eCollege eNewsletter at www.ecollege.com.

Contributed by Chip Donohue

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