Collaborative Community Mentoring Program (C2MP): addressing the changing demands of a professional community of learners through engaging digital networks

Abstract

The notion of mentoring is ancient. The original mentor was described by Homer as the 'wise and trusted counsellor' who Odysseus left in charge of his household during his travels. In modern times, the concept of mentoring has found application in virtually every forum of learning. Greater use of communication technologies has provided significant opportunities for relationships to form and grow in digital environments and with the ease of linking dispersed individuals and groups using these technologies, opportunities for interaction and collaboration are extensive. This paper investigates the concept of collaborative mentoring in digital environments and explores strategies and technological tools for supporting and developing shared meaning and conducting rational discourse. The ascilite pilot Collaborative Community Mentoring Program (C²MP) is provided as an example. An early attempt at building a model for collaborative mentoring in digital environments is explored using an adaptation of a three-element Community of Practice framework, progress of the pilot mentoring program is reported and a process for evaluating the pilot is outlined.