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The July 13, 2005 issue of the Educator's Voice from the eCollege Instructional Design Team includes an article by Leslie Williams on "Mentoring at a Distance: Partnering with Technology." The article addresses the need for a more student-centered approach that offers adult learners a total learning experience.

Adult learners need a mentoring relationship with their online instructor that provides them with support, encouragement, and affirmation that encourages student retention and success in online learning. Williams points out a number of factors that contribute to a higher attrition rate for online learners. Contributing factors for this reason include the following:

• Tuition

• Motivators

• Feedback

• Instructor contact

• Student support and services

• Alienation and isolation

• Learning style and experience

A mentoring approach helps adult learners become acquainted with the technology and skills needed in the non-traditional online learning environment. Rather than becoming a barrier to academic success, the technology and online learning tools need to make it possible for the adult learner to have a rewarding experience that allows the opportunity to continue and complete his/her educational goals. Williams points out that adult learners expect a “return on investment” from their online learning experience and that there is no “one size fits all” solution. It takes both technology tools and human interactions and supporting instructor/student relationships to foster success for adult learners.

To read the entire article, go to www.ecollege.com/news/EdVoice.learn.

The Educator's Voice includes useful information and hands-on advice for educators who utilize eLearning tools. You can sign up for the eCollege eNewsletter at www.ecollege.com.

Contributed by Chip Donohue

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