Description of the Study

Computer Mentoring Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of Mary’s idea for helping AAUW members improve their computer and internet skills. Many, perhaps a majority of members, including some leaders, have insufficient computer skills to adequately manage routine electronic correspondence or take full advantage of the resources found on the AAUW website and others. Mary believes this situation is widespread throughout the organization and serious enough to hurt its effectivenes.

Mary believes the best way to address this situation is by the more skillful members in branches mentoring others. If this pilot confirms that belief she hopes the strategy will be adopted across the country.

Goal To test the effectiveness of peer mentoring in achieving improved computer and internet skills of AAUW branch members.

Action Steps

1. Arrange to visit in person or by phone with state and branch leaders who are Mary’s friends.
2. Gain agreement that lack of skills is hindering full effectiveness of branch and/or state programming.
3. Explain the process and seek their assistance: sell the idea!
1. Identify individuals willing to spend time helping other members increase their computer/internet skills.
2. Make their availability known to other branch members as a group and/or to individuals who want or need help.
3. Encourage those involved to use any means they choose for mentoring/training such as in-home visits, small groups, or attendance at community education classes.
4. Maintain contact with all those who agree to participate:
1. Assist with local plans and problems.
2. Receive progress reports and feedback
5. Periodically evaluate progress and decide whether to continue.
6. After perhaps 6 months, if progress warrants, work with project members to develop ways to expand the system into more states and branches.