Understanding the significance of e-mentoring and its components for effective program design and development
Keywords:
E-mentoring, mentee, mentor, e-mentoring components, e-mentoring design and development, higher educationAbstract
E-mentoring has played an increasingly pivotal role in supporting students in higher education. It has been widely recognized as an effective approach to addressing potential challenges associated with student drop-out rates and students with poor academic performance. In light of this, this article aims to discuss the importance of e-mentoring and its vital components that contribute to the effectiveness of its design and development process. Drawing on secondary sources, the article begins by highlighting the advantages of the e-mentoring scheme, followed by a discussion of the key aspects of the program, including the recruitment and selection strategies, the roles and responsibilities of mentee and mentor, mentee and mentor matching, mentee and mentor training, and mentoring evaluation. The article concludes with some suggestions for ensuring the effectiveness of e-mentoring schemes in higher education and calls for future research in this area.
Downloads
References
Aronoff, S. C., Evans, B., Fleece, D., Lyons, P., Kaplan, L., & Rojas, R. (2010). Integrating evidence-based medicine into undergraduate medical education: Combining online instruction with clinical clerkships. Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 22(3), 219–223. https://doi.org/10.1080/10401334.2010.488460
Briscoe, P. (2019). Virtual mentor partnerships between practicing and preservice teachers: Helping to enhance professional growth and well-being. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 8(4), 235–254. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-02-2019-0023
Broome, M. E., Halstead, J. A., Pesut, D. J., Rawl, S. M., & Boland, D. L. (2011). Evaluating the outcomes of a distance-accessible PhD programme. Journal of Professional Nursing, 27(2), 69–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2010.09.011
Byrnes, D., Uribe-Flórez, L.J., Trespalacios, J., & Chilson, J. (2019). Doctoral e-mentoring: Current practices and effective strategies. Online Learning, 23(1), 236–24. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v23i1.1446
Chong, J. Y., Ching, A. H., Renganathan, Y., Lim, W. Q., Toh, Y. P., Mason, S., & Krishna, L. K. (2020). Enhancing mentoring experiences through e-mentoring: A systematic scoping review of e-mentoring programmes between 2000 and 2017. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 25, 195–226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-019-09883-8
Chu, L. F., Ngai, L. K., Young, C. A., Pearl, R. G., Macario, A., & Harrison, T. K. (2013). Preparing interns for anesthesiology residency training: Development and assessment of the successful transition to anesthesia residency training (START) e-learning curriculum. The Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 5(1), 125–129. https://doi.org/10.4300/jgme-d-12-00121.1
Collings, R., Swanson, V., & Watkins, R. (2016). Peer mentoring during the transition to university: Assessing the usage of a formal scheme within the United Kingdom. Studies in Higher Education, 41(11), 1995–2010. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2015.1007939
Colvin, J.W., & Ashman, M. (2010). Roles, risks, and benefits of peer mentoring relationships in higher education. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 18(2), 121–134. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611261003678879
de Janasz, S. C., & Godshalk, V. M. (2013). The role of e-mentoring in protégés’ learning and satisfaction. Group & Organization Management, 38(6), 743–774. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601113511296
Deng, C., Gulseren, D. B., & Turner, N. (2022). How to match mentors and protégés for successful mentorship programs: A review of the evidence and recommendations for practitioners. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 43(3), 386–403. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-01-2021-0032
Dennison, S. (2010). Peer mentoring: Untapped potential. Journal of Nursing Education, 49(6), 340–342. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20100217-04
Desselle, S. P., Chang, H., Fleming, G., Habib, A., Canedo, J., & Mantzourani, E. (2021). Design fundamentals of mentoring programmes for pharmacy professionals (part 1): Considerations for organizations. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 17(2), 441–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sapharm.2020.04.015
Ensher, E. A., Heun, C., & Blanchard, A. (2003). Online mentoring and computer-mediated communication: New directions in research. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 63, 264–288. https://www.ellenensher.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/Onlinementoring.pdf
Evans, D. & Volery, T. (2001). Online business development services for entrepreneurs: An exploratory study. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, 13(4), 333–350. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08985620110052274
Fitzpatrick, D., Collier, D. A., Parnther, C., Du, Y., Brehm, C., Willson-Conrad, A., Beach, A., & Hearit, K. (2021). Experimental evidence for a first-year experience course plus mentoring on moderate-income university students’ engagement, achievement, and persistence. Higher Education Research and Development, 40(3), 491–507. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2020.1761303
Guse, J., Schweigert, E., Kulms, G., Heinen, I., Martens, C., & Guse, A. H. (2016). Effects of mentoring speed dating as an innovative matching tool in undergraduate medical education: A mixed methods study. PLOS One, 11(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0147444
Haber-Curran, P., Everman, D., & Martinez, M. (2017). Mentors’ personal growth and development in a college access mentorship programme. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 25(4), 485–503. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2017.1403558
Hamilton, B. A., & Scandura, T. A. (2003). E-mentoring: Implications for organizational learning and development in a wired world. Organizational Dynamics, 31(4): 388–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0090-2616(02)00128-6
Hayman, R., Wharton, K., Bruce-Martin, C., & Allin, L. (2022). Benefits and motives for peer mentoring in higher education: An exploration through the lens of cultural capital. Mentoring & Tutoring, 30(2), 256–273. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2022.2057098
Hobson, A., Maxwell, B., & Káplár-Kodácsy, K. (2021). The role of the mentoring programme coordinator: A rapid evidence review. Education & Training Foundation. https://www.et-foundation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ETF_MCoord_Report_UoB_SHU_29_April_2021_Final.pdf
Hudson, P. (2016). Forming the mentor-mentee relationship. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 24(1), 30–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2016.1163637
Immerwahr, J. (2003). With diploma in hand: Hispanic high school seniors talk about their future. National Center Report #03–2. The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, and Public Agenda. https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/82568f8e-51a5-4774-9439-c0784ff09792/content
Iqbal, H. (2020). E-mentoring: An effective platform for distance learning. E-mentor, 2(84), 54–61. https://doi.org/10.15219/em84.1463
Jacobs, K., Doyle, N., & Ryan, C. (2015). The nature, perception, and impact of e-mentoring on post-professional occupational therapy doctoral students. Occupational Therapy in Health Care, 29(2), 201–213. https://doi.org/10.3109/07380577.2015.1006752
Jaffer, U., Vaughan-Huxley, E., Standfield, N., & John, N. W. (2013). Medical mentoring via the evolving world wide web. Journal of Surgical Education, 70(1), 121–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsurg.2012.06.024
Jang, Y., Choi, S., Kim, S., & Kim, H. (2023). The SNS-based e-mentoring and development of computational thinking for undergraduate students in an online course. Educational Technology & Society, 26(2), 147–164. https://doi.org/10.30191/ETS.202304_26(2).0011
Kasprisin, C. A., Single, P. B., Single, R. M., & Muller, C. B. (2003). Building a better bridge: Testing e-training to improve e-mentoring programmes in higher education. Mentoring and Tutoring, 11(1), 67–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1361126032000054817
Kaufman, M. (2017). E-mentoring. National Mentoring Resource Center. https://nationalmentoringresourcecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/E-Mentoring_Model_Review.pdf
Kim, C. C., Kim, E. J., Curiel-Lewandrowski, C., Marks, V., Maloney, M., & Frieden, I. J. (2013). A model in dermatology for long-distance mentoring. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 68(5), 860–862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2012.10.049
Klasen, N., & Clutterbuck, D. (2012). Implementing mentoring schemes. Routledge.
Kuok, B., Layton, N., Volkert, A., & Selga, L. (2023). Group e-mentoring: Learnings from a pilot of assistive technology group mentoring in Australia. World Federation of Occupational Therapists Bulletin, 79(2), 165–172. https://doi.org/10.1080/14473828.2023.2221874
Larose, S. (2013). Trajectories of mentors’ perceived self-efficacy during an academic mentoring experience: What they look like and what are their personal and experimental correlates? Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 21(2), 150–174. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611267.2013.813728
Le, H-G., Sok, S., & Heng, K. (in press). The benefits of peer mentoring in higher education: Findings from a systematic review. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education.
Lee, C., Wang, A., Pina, V., Zhuang, J., Robbio, R., & Sun, W. (2023). Exploring the feasibility, acceptability and satisfaction of a virtual peer mentoring program for undergraduate nursing students: A mixed-methods study. Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 14(2), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotlrcacea.2023.2.14586
McCarthy, J. (2012). International design collaboration and mentoring for tertiary students through Facebook. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 28(5), 755–775. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.1383
Mollica, M., & Mitchell, A. (2013). Increasing retention and student satisfaction utilizing an online peer mentoring programme: Preliminary results. Procedia, Social and Behavioral Sciences, 106, 1455–1461. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.12.163
Morales, E. E., Ambrose-Roman, S., & Perez-Maldonado, R. (2016). Transmitting success: Comprehensive peer mentoring for at-risk students in developmental math. Innovative Higher Education, 41(2), 121–135. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-015-9335-6
Murphy, W. M. (2011). From e-mentoring to blended mentoring: Increasing students' developmental initiation and mentors' satisfaction. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 10(4), 606–622. https://doi.org/10.5465/amle.2010.0090
Nabi, G., Walmsley, A., Mir, M., & Osman, S. (2024). The impact of mentoring in higher education on student career development: A systematic review and research agenda. Studies in Higher Education, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2024.2354894
Nguyen, L., Tomy, S., & Pardede, E. (2024). Enhancing collaborative learning and e-mentoring in a smart education system in higher education. Computers, 13(1), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13010028
Perlman, R. L., Christner, J., Ross, P. T., & Lypson, M. L. (2014). A successful faculty development programme for implementing a sociocultural ePortfolio assessment tool. Academic Medicine, 89(2), 257–262. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000000120
Pollard, R., & Kumar, S. (2021). Mentoring graduate students online: Strategies and challenges. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 22(2), 267–284. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v22i2.5093
Rolfe, A. (2016). The mentor's role. Korean Journal of Medical Education, 28(3), 315–316. https://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2016.37
Schlager, M. S., & Fusco, J. (2003). Teacher professional development, technology, and communities of practice: Are we putting the cart before the horse? The Information Society, 19(3), 203–220. https://doi.org/10.1080/01972240309464
Storrs, D., Putsche, L., & Taylor, A. (2008). Mentoring expectations and realities: An analysis of metaphorical thinking among female undergraduate protégés and their mentors in a university mentoring programme. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 16(2), 175–188. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611260801916499
Tinoco-Giraldo, H., Torrecilla, S. E. M., & García-Peñalvo, F. J. (2022). E-mentoring pilot programme in academic internships: Effectiveness in improving participants’ competencies. Sustainability, 14(7), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074025
Tinoco-Giraldo, H., Torrecilla, S. E. M., & García-Peñalvo, F. J. (2020). E-mentoring in higher education: A structured literature review and implications for future research. Sustainability, 12(11), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114344
Walsh, K. (2016). Online mentoring in medical education. South African Family Practice, 58(1), 7-8. https://doi.org/10.1080/20786190.2015.1059020
Ware, P., & Ramos, J. (2013). First-generation college students: Mentoring through social media. International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, 2(2), 149–162. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMCE-02-2013-0009
Weiner, J., Small, A. C., Lipton, L. R., Stensland, K. D., Aristegui, J., Grossman, M., et al. (2014). Establishing an online mentor database for medical students. Medical Education, 48(5), 542–543. https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.12458
Williams, S. L., & Kim, J. (2011). E-mentoring in online course projects: Description of an e-mentoring scheme. International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching & Mentoring, 9(2), 80–95. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=ec74d9961fbb0b3eb29b695e7353b9771efc5e8a
Wilton, M., Katz, D., Clairmont, A., Gonzalez-Nino, E., Foltz, K. R., & Christoffersen, R. E. (2021). Improving academic performance and retention of first-year biology students through a scalable peer mentorship program. CBE Life Sciences Education, 20(4), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1187/CBE.21-02-0039
Zalaquett, C. P., & Lopez, A. D. (2006). Learning from the stories of successful undergraduate Latina/Latino students: The importance of mentoring. Mentoring & Tutoring, 14(3), 337–353. https://doi.org/10.1080/13611260600635563
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
The articles published by this journal are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made.