Q&A-- Round 1
by mrbeckbeck | June 29, 2009 at 2:42 PM
Based on the last conference call, this is an initial FAQ page for Mentors to consult.
Q: Can I provide editorial advice to my Correspondent?
A: Absolutely! If you are asked to do so, or you have the available time, we encourage you to comment on your Correspondent's drafts.
Q: How do I find my Correspondent's writing assignments?
A: If you're on PulseWire, and you've added the Correspondent as a friend, you can see all their posts under the "Friends" tab on your profile. If you're not on PulseWire, you can find the Correspondent and bookmark their profile page. Their recent posts are fed automatically below their picture. If you need help finding any of this, please just ask for specific help.
Q: What alternatives are there to Skype?
A: There are a number of options here. For instant chatting, you can use the feature on Yahoo, Gmail, AOL or others. For direct phone-to-phone communication, we have a few recommended web-sites:
- www.cloncom.com -- this site is recommended by Debra Lach who connected with India for very cheap! Provides different calling card offers, so take a look at each before deciding.
- www.rebtel.com -- this site is recommended by Linda Lubin who connected to Kenya inexpensively! Especially worth a shot because the first call is free.
- www.pennytalk.com
Always consider the costs for both ends of the call, and any one-time fees that may be associated with the calls. Share your success stories with the group!
Q: What is my role as a Mentor?
A: Your primary role is to connect as a supportive presence for the Correspondents. This may sometimes mean that your conversations revolve around personal or professional issues rather than the specific curriculum for Voices of Our Future. You are a developing a one-on-one connection that will evolve organically, depending on the needs of your Correspondent. Your role is to help her identify and overcome any obstacles she may face. If you are ever in doubt of what you need to do, just ASK!
Also, you will be asked to evaluate written assignments, but never from your own Correspondent. These evaluations will be assigned to you, and you will have a week to complete them. More details about this process will come soon.
