Training peer-mentors to manage on-line class participation

Abstract

Although classes in all disciplines are being offered from almost every university and college on-line, the College of Engineering at Texas Tech University feels that first year engineering courses offered on-line need more than just technology in order to keep them engaged in course content; they need support from faculty and from peers. This paper discusses the process of training peermentors to act as managers for on-line student support in the Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering course; how the selection process for peermentors plays a signifcant part in students', mentors, and faculty expectations; and how web technology allows the peer-mentors to develop skills beyond those found in traditional face-to-face peer-mentoring programs