Exploring the Development of a Framework for Informal E-mentoring of Online Health Education Students: A Formative Evaluation [Research in Progress]

Abstract

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this pilot case study is to provide details on developing a framework for e-mentoring graduate level online health education students as an added component of an online health education course. Background: E-mentoring gives faculty the opportunity to share professional knowledge with students and impart practical experiences. In addition, faculty can show how the course content is teaching skills applicable to student’s personal and professional goals. There is an abundance of research and professional literature that includes mentoring of graduate students, but this literature base has not shown a development in a theory and models used in e-mentoring. As yet, however, literature dealing with e-mentoring the future health educator is scarce or nonexistent even though technology such as mobile apps, email, listservs, chat groups and conferencing could enhance the e-mentoring process. Methodology: The framework is described in the context of a curriculum development and a program planning model. Following the steps designed in this framework, mentees are guided through a course that begins with setting goals and ends with an evaluation process. The steps are similar to what health educator’s use in the program planning process, which is also a component of building a community program. The model uses both psychosocial variables that help build identity and coaching functions as a guide and to obtain measurements. Contribution: The study ends with a mix of evaluations that include the formative and sum-mative evaluations. A formative evaluation is conducted throughout the pro-cess. A summative evaluation will be conducted at the end to gain feedback. For the summative evaluation, constructs from the mentoring scale will be used. Findings: This case study was prepared to serve as a basis for discussion rather than to illustrate either effective or ineffective e-mentoring process for health educators.