ERIC Number: EJ1107474
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
STEM E-Mentoring and Community College Students with Disabilities
Gregg, Noel; Wolfe, Gerri; Jones, Stephanie; Todd, Robert; Moon, Nathan; Langston, Christopher
Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, v29 n1 p47-63 Spr 2016
This article reports the findings from a qualitative study to understand the provision of electronic mentoring (e-mentoring) to support the educational persistence of students with disabilities at a two-year college in a large city in the U.S. South. Building upon a five-year project at three postsecondary institutions and three secondary school systems, this article presents the results from interviews with selected participants, which were analyzed using a qualitative case study design. Three aspects of a STEM e-mentoring program were examined: (1) the use of virtual environments and social media settings; (2) the development of e-mentoring relationships; and (3) the examination of persistence constructs. Eight participants were recruited for the study representing individuals with disabilities, non-traditional age students, and individuals from minority populations. Four critical findings were observed: (1) virtual environments and social media tool usage varied depending on context, accessibility, and practical considerations; (2) STEM learning and emotional supports were enhanced when embedded in the practice of e-mentoring; and (3) five persistence constructs (intention to persist, self-determination, self-advocacy, science affect, and math affect) informed STEM outcomes for community college students with disabilities.
Descriptors: Two Year College Students, Mentors, Computer Mediated Communication, Academic Persistence, Disabilities, Interviews, STEM Education, Qualitative Research, Case Studies, Social Media, Nontraditional Students, Minority Group Students, Simulated Environment, Surveys, Intention, Self Determination, Attitude Measures, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Technology
Association on Higher Education and Disability. 107 Commerce Center Drive Suite 204, Huntersville, NC 28078. Tel: 704-947-7779; Fax: 704-948-7779; e-mail: ahead@ahead.org; Web site: http://www.ahead.org/publications/jped
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Two Year Colleges; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1027635; 1027655