New Experiences

(Gain experience in the field of teaching and writing.)

I have several backgrounds dealing with mentoring, training, teaching others. Yet, this experience was the first time I engaged in fully asynchronous mentoring. I was initially intimidated by the process where I can’t read the person I am working with. I am used to observing and learning how they think and then tailoring my methods to best get them to understand it.

However, there are benefits to the asynchronous teaching methods. Such as taking time to digest and frame feedback and response, which can be more thoughtful and fleshed out responses when you as a mentor can take some time to marinate on the feedback. Asynchronous also allows for "continuous" engagement at each persons schedule.

While there is the ability to collaborate in the mentor/mentee with asynchronous classes, it does create a gulf of connection I do not think can be made virtually. This is where using suggestions like recorded video or audio feedback can go a long way in establishing there is a person on the otherside of the screen.