Student Engagement in Online Learning: Learners Attitude Toward E-Mentoring

People are looking for flexible learning to accommodate their needs for improvements. One option is through internet based learning or online learning. Internet has provided people with unlimited access to information. Online learning enables lifelong learning become more accessible. The development of online learning offer opportunities for teachers to create mentor online as to support student engagement in learning. Online learning provides multimedia and instructional information. Therefore e-mentoring becomes a viable tool to help student engage in online learning. By using electronic communications, e-mentoring intends to develop and grow the skills, knowledge, confidence, and cultural understanding of the lesser skilled individual. E-mentoring enables teachers interacting with students through email, online chat and online bulletin board regardless of geographic location. Consequently, learners are capable to build their own knowledge when they feel connected by the activity in which their engage. The purpose of this research is to investigate learner's factor toward e mentoring. The study aims to identify learner's attitudes toward e-mentoring. In fact understanding learner's attitude toward e-mentoring is essential to ensure learners can reap the benefits of mentoring. A survey analysis was carried out. A total of 205 participants were asked to answer a questionnaire. A factor analysis and multiple regression technique were carried out. Factor analysis result indicated there are two groups of learner's attitude that is learner autonomy and teacher as assisted tutors. Finding shows that learner's attitudes play a role in predicting e-mentoring. To ascertain the successful of e-mentoring program, this research provide evidence learner's attitude are critical factors to ensure students would stay involve with their mentor. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of i-Learn Centre, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.