Higher education peer mentoring programme to promote student community using Mobile Device Applications

Abstract

This paper presents an Italian peer mentoring programme implemented by second year undergraduate students (peer mentors) to support first years (mentees). The aim of the peer mentoring was to promote student community building and endorse active learning. We recruited 19 mentors and 32 mentees into the programme. Data was extracted through the use of semi-structed questionnaires, which were exposed to qualitative analysis. Peer mentors decided to implement their peer mentoring activities using Mobile Device Applications [MDA]. A qualitative content analysis was employed to evaluate student’s perception. Our findings suggest that students were satisfied with the adoption of MDA to foster active learning for, and community building between, undergraduate students. However, participants have highlighted criticisms and improvements.