Faculty Mentors’ Perspectives on E-Mentoring Postprofessional Occupational Therapy Doctoral Students

Abstract

Date Presented 4/7/2016 This study investigated faculty members’ perspectives on e-mentoring in an online postprofessional doctor of occupational therapy program. Results highlight how successful e-mentoring relationships are built and how they positively affect the professional behaviors and development of students and faculty. Primary Author and Speaker: Nancy Doyle Additional Authors and Speakers: Karen Jacobs, Cathryn Ryan

Doctoral E-mentoring: Current Practices and Effective Strategies

“…Melrose (2006) also mentioned the importance of trust, effective communication, reasonable goal setting, and accountability for deadlines. All of these factors remain important to a successful online mentoring relationship (Doyle et al, 2016;Erichsen et al, 2014;Kumar & Coe, 2017;Rademaker et al, 2016;Roumell & Bolliger, 2017;Stadtlander & Giles, 2010).…”

“…Student crave mentors who are open to several forms of communication and meeting times which may suit their individual needs (Andrew, 2012;Crossouard. 2008;Doyle et al, 2016;Erichsen et al, 2014;Kumar & Coe, 2017;Kumar & Johnson, 2017a;Kumar et al, 2013;Roumell & Bolliger, 2017;Stadtlander & Giles, 2010). Mentors may consider innovative communication tools which allow for asynchronous communication for those in different time zones, such as discussion boards and learning management systems (de Beer & Mason, 2009;Loureiro, Huet, Baptista, & Casanova, 2010).…”

“…Additionally, this will allow both mentors and mentees to ensure that they have the technical capabilities to meet in the agreed upon modes of communication. Finally, they can also discuss pace; again, since online doctoral students have various responsibilities outside of school it is important to establish a reasonable timeline that fits each student's needs (Doyle et al, 2016;Kumar & Johnson, 2017a;Roumell & Bolliger, 2017).…”

“…However, not all students pursuing a doctorate intend to enter academia. Mentors should discuss students' career goals to determine which activities will help them most in the future (Doyle et al, 2016;Kumar & Johnson, 2017a).…”

“…Regardless of the field of study or degree type, students rely on their mentors for guidance and it is important for mentors to deliver effective support through innovative means. Faculty members may use diverse technological tools to maintain mentee-mentor relationships and adapt strategies used when working with students in person (Doyle, Jacobs, & Ryan, 2016;Kumar & Johnson, 2017a;Nasiri & Mafakheri, 2010).…”