Abstract
This survey research study analyzed responses from 143 mentors from around the world participating in a global higher education initiative. Results confirmed the effectiveness of four mentoring domains identified in the literature, reporting the most success from providing emotional and psychological support for students. This article provides mentoring strategies including student goal setting, identifies characteristics of an online role model, and shows the importance of online mentors’ confidence in students gaining technology skills. The study has additionally contributed to the literature supporting (a) benefits of online mentoring for nontraditional students, (b) influence of technology on mentoring challenges, and (c) role assumption in online mentoring. Additionally, the study provided a literature review of the background of online mentoring and mentoring practices, the benefits and challenges of online mentoring, and lessons learned from research. This work presents a comprehensive understanding of online mentoring, providing support for mentors seeking to improve their performance as well as recommendations for creating mentoring programs to improve organizations.
Highlights
This survey research study analyzed responses from 143 mentors from around the world participating in a global higher education initiative
Students must be responsible for their own learning; their way can be eased by online mentoring that provides academic support, personal connection, and future direction as these students navigate their online educational experience
This study examined how online mentors can be most effective in supporting students in higher education systems
Summary
This survey research study analyzed responses from 143 mentors from around the world participating in a global higher education initiative. Students must be responsible for their own learning; their way can be eased by online mentoring that provides academic support, personal connection, and future direction as these students navigate their online educational experience. We used survey-based research with qualitative and quantitative questions to better understand the important role and effective practice of online mentors in an international program providing higher education designed for transitional and non-traditional students seeking a bridge into colleges. Mentors in this program recognize that many of their students are overwhelmed with the varied demands and challenges of their program.
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