Mentorship in Blended Spaces: What Is the Value of Face-to-Face Mentorship for Participation and Learning?

• In Event: 73.062 - Poster Session 17
  In Poster Session: 73.062-3 - Online/Mobile Learning: Tools, Strategies, and Mentorship

Abstract

In this paper we explore blended learning environments in informal settings. Our overarching objective is to study the value of face-to-face mentorship in blended learning environments, and how initial social ties among peers moderate that value. To that end, we developed a quasi-experimental study to answer the following research questions: (1) Is there a difference in participation and learning progression for youths in blended learning programs versus those who only access the content online? (2) How do prior social ties affect youth participation and learning outcomes in blended learning spaces?

Authors

• Ugochi Cynthia Acholonu, DePaul University

• Caitlin Kennedy Martin, DePaul University - Digital Youth Network

• Denise C. Nacu, University of Chicago

• Nichole D. Pinkard, DePaul University