ELECTRONIC MENTORING: WHAT IS IT? WHAT DO WE KNOW?

Electronic mentoring (e-mentoring), defined as "a relationship between a more experienced individual and a less skilled or experienced individual primarily using computer mediated communication (CMC) is intended to develop and improve each mentee's skills, confidence, and cultural understanding" (Jaffe, Moir, Swanson, & Wheeler, 2006, p. 90). This concept which is fairly new to education has been implemented in the business world for numerous years with positive results (Ensher, Heun, Blanchard, 2003; Single & Mueller, 2001; Single, & Single, 2005). E-mentoring offers several distinct advantages like flexibility whereby mentors and mentees can connect when needed, regardless of geographical location and time constraints, in a format that mimics and expands traditional face-to-face (FtF) interaction and in a way that increases solutions while simultaneously reducing costs of implementation and access (Smith & Israel, 2010). Additionally, trained mentors can be drawn from a much larger pool of seasoned teachers than typically available in local schools. Mentees in a number of studies (Kasprisin, Single, Single, & Mueller, 2003; Klecka, Clift, & Cheng, 2005) shared that the online environment offer opportunities to connect with similar-minded individuals not readily available in their building. Additionally, online environments have been found to be less threatening and more conductive to sharing thoughts and inadequacy as well as doubts. This session will include a literature review of electronic mentoring and descriptions of existing programs will be shared. This session will increase knowledge of electronic mentoring, its uses and outcomes.