In the next months I'm going to be exploring the possibilities of using information technology to support mentor-like relationships within educational institutions. I suspect such practices can add an additional dimension to teaching and learning efforts. I've conducted research on these sorts of issues and agree we always need to exercise vigilance. First, mentoring requires mutual accessibility. Albeit asynchronous, CMC text-based interaction provides valid communicative exchanges.
Most research indicates that social support is often the more important mentoring dimension.
Finally, there is an efficacy factor to consider. Our results also indicated that amount of experience using email was significantly related to giving career oriented feedback in mentoring and helping relationships. So, it appears that desired effects are amenable to training, and to encouraging the continued use of the technology. Cultivating an open and accessible communication environment is essential for any successful mentoring or helping relationship. Those that are selected for posting are reviewed and may be edited for clarity.