Interviews with UIS Faculty & Peer Mentors

Peer Mentor Video
Three former peer mentors talk about their experiences as a peer mentor and the benefits of peer mentoring for students and faculty.
Podcast with Computer Science Professor Keith Miller Regarding Having an Online Mentor/Tutor in Class
Professor Keith Miller of the UIS Computer Science Department comments on the use of an online mentor/tutor in one of his computer science classes. He describes the role of the mentor in relating to both the students and the instructor.
Podcast with Wesley Wasmundt - Experienced Online Mentor/Tutor and Coordinator of UIS Program
Wesley Wasmundt is currently with the U of I Alumni Association ( http://www.uiaa.org/spfld). He served as an online class tutor at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York and as coordinator of the UIS online peer tutor program.

Wesley outlines the ABC's of successful online peer tutor/mentoring:
- Accesibility/Accountability
- Be encouraging/ Be informative
- Clarify
- Discussion board facilitation
And, he gives real life examples of how peer mentors can directly intervene to keep students from dropping out of online programs.
Podcast with Kandice Biggs, Former Online Peer Tutor and Mentor
I recently interviewed Kandice Biggs of the University of Illinois at Springfield Center for Teaching and Learning. Over four semesters she served as an online peer tutor/mentor to students in Psychology and Public Affairs classes. She highlights the importance of the role of engaging the students in this brief interview.