Running head: TOP FIVE LIST

Top Five List

Dan O'Brien
CUR 532
December 5, 2016
Professor Danene Mims

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Top Five List

The top five characteristics of effective faculty mentoring programs for distance learning.
#1 - Establish a peer mentoring group.
A new faculty member will openly discuss and share ideas more freely with faculty peers
that have common experience levels. A peer group would also help with faculty isolation.
#2 One to one mentoring with an experienced online course facilitator.
Some questions and issues regarding online course facilitation can only answered by
those with experience. Sharing of solutions of previous problems may help with current issues.
#3 - Group mentoring that is facilitated by an experienced online faculty member.
Mentees can benefit from reading responses and advice that is offered to fellow new
faculty members by mentors. New faculty may be able to foresee problems in their own courses
before they appear.
#4 Undergraduate student mentors.
Students are in touch with the latest technologies and trends. Learners from their
generation are employing these technologies in social and educational settings.
#5 Mentor training.
Mentors need to know what is their purpose and the intention of a mentoring program.
Communication methods need to be established and some ground rules set for all to follow.

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References

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2011). The excellent online instructor: Strategies for professional
development. San Francisco, CA Jossey-Bass