Home » ExchangeEveryDay » Mentoring at a Distance: Technology Tips and Tools



ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues


<< Previous Issue | View Past Issues | | Next Issue >> ExchangeEveryDay
Mentoring at a Distance: Technology Tips and Tools
December 1, 2005
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

ExchangeEveryDay

Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.

What is ExchangeEveryDay?

ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.

Looking for Employment Opportunities? Whether you are looking for a job or looking for quality employees, you may find what you need at Exchange Employment Opportunites at www.childcareexchange.com/jobs





Post a Comment

Have an account? to submit your comment.


required

Your e-mail address will not be visible to other website visitors.
required
required
required

Check the box below, to help verify that you are not a bot. Doing so helps prevent automated programs from abusing this form.



Disclaimer: Exchange reserves the right to remove any comments at its discretion or reprint posted comments in other Exchange materials.