Training peer-mentors to manage on-line class participation

Although classes in all disciplines are being offered from almost every university and college on-line, the College of Engineering at Texas Tech University, feels that first year engineering courses offered on-line need more than just technology in order to keep them engaged in course content; they need support from faculty and from peers. This paper discusses the process of training peer-mentors to act as managers for on-line student support in the Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering course; how the selection process for peer-mentors plays a significant part in student, mentor, and faculty expectations; and how web technology allows the peer-mentors to develop skills beyond those found in traditional face-to-face peer-mentoring programs.