Promoting Success: Mentoring Students with Disabilities Using New Technologies in Higher Education

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to investigate the traditional mentoring practices of mentors and protégés.

Design/methodology/approach

As a matter of fact students with disabilities, as a group, have the lowest participation in postsecondary education programs and the highest unemployment rates. Effective mentoring programs can change these outcomes. These students need knowledgeable mentors who are familiar with technology and disabilities to help them in their fields of education. Access to technology and emphasis on using the technologies for mentors will be discussed.

Findings

Traditional in‐person mentoring is problematic because of transportation problems with appointment or location. In addition, mentors can help their protégés explore career options, set academic and career goals develop social and professional contacts, identify resources, and strengthen interpersonal skills. Using technology between mentors and protégés makes it easy to exchange information at anytime from anywhere.

Practical implications

The paper discusses in detail two widely used e‐mentoring programs. The first program is DO‐IT, a program which is sponsored by the University of Washington and the second program is MentorNet, which deals with mentoring and increasing diversity in the engineering and science fields.

Originality/value

As one writer stated: “mentoring is a win‐win situation”. This article describes the need for intervention, mentoring and retention of students with disabilities in Higher Education.

Citation

Khalil, M.A. (2008), "Promoting Success: Mentoring Students with Disabilities Using New Technologies in Higher Education", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 8-12. https://doi.org/10.1108/07419050810877490