We Share Stuff recently received funding from Becta as part of the Learning Revolution to develop a web based group mentoring service — it’s called Five Minute Mentors and is based around the idea of quick video chats.
5 Minute Mentors enables co-mentoring within existing groups: Individuals request help and advice from other group members on specific topics. This takes place outside of the meeting/learning schedule and both mentor and mentee can choose the best available time slot for their conversation. All sessions are limited to five minutes ensuring minimal time outlay for both parties. Privacy and security are priorities and the application ensures no personal information is given out unwittingly by either party.
5MM aims to promote shared knowledge, improving the learning experience for all.
We’re looking for existing learner groups to be involved at this early stage. As part of the pilot for the project we are actively looking for suitable groups – at all levels of ability, subject knowledge and technical know-how – to help us fully beta-test the application, iron out any functional issues and provide feedback for improvements to the finished service. Our development costs are covered by the funding, so any involvement of your organisation in this project would not require any financial outlay by you or the group members/learners testing the service.
We’re blogging all about the development over at fiveminutementors.com.