Assessing Mentor Characteristics in an Online Environment: A Study

Abstract

The qualities that make a successful teacher in a traditional, face-to-face environment are well known and documented. Similarly, the characteristics of a good mentor are known. The qualities of a good online teacher have been researched. What remains is to study and define those qualities that make a successful mentor in an online environment. This qualitative study addresses the characteristics needed to be an effective online mentor. In order to research the characteristics of good mentoring, three mentor/mentee dyads were interviewed for a total of six interviews. All the interviews were done in a synchronous online environment. Each mentor/mentee dyad are participants in the Integrating Technology in Schools Online Certificate Program (ITSOLC), a 12-hour online program offered at George Mason University. The final Proceedings paper and Conference presentation will report the findings of these interviews.