Psychology
Todd E. Johnson
The Role of Cybermentoring in Enhancing the Process
of Learning

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Dr. Johnson is a Co-PI on a National Science Foundation “Bridging Engineering and Education” grant known as the cyberMENTOR [Mathematics and Engineering via New Technologies: Outreach and Recruitment] Planning Project. The goal of the grant is to evaluate effective partnerships and teacher development interactions designed to better prepare students from diverse settings (including public, private, tribal and home schools throughout the state) in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Cybermentoring developed from a Washington State University cooperative project aimed at describing the tutorial interaction of university student mentors with K-12 students via high-end videoconferencing. The Cybermentoring initiative has led to the promotion and development of partnerships and interdisciplinary initiatives that connect education, engineering, K-12 educators, and corporate partners. Dr. Johnson draws on his experience in research design, statistics, and evaluation to develop scientifically based investigations for the Cybermentoring project.

Outcomes of these partnerships have included the design, implementation, and improvement of tutorial sessions integrating engineering, education, mathematics, and technology for middle and junior high school students. Cybermentoring projects have led to research and development advancements in the schools where pre-service teachers tutor K-12 students in reading and writing in the content areas of science, technology, mathematics, problem-solving, and applied engineering that integrates mathematics. Positive impact on student achievement in the K-12 classroom is a major focus of the project, along with developing more rigorous research designs and educating pre-service and practicing teachers on the development and use of classroom assessment. Based on research and case studies to date, Cybermentoring activities show promise for improving student achievement in reading, science, writing, and mathematics.

Contact Information
Todd E. Johnson, Ph.D., CRC, CVE
Assistant Professor, Educational Psychology
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Vocational Evaluator
Educational Leadership and Counseling Psychology

Washington State University
PO Box 642136
Pullman, WA 99164-2136

Phone: 509-335-7382
Fax: 509-335-6961
E-mail: ToddJohnson@wsu.edu