Higher education peer mentoring programme to promote student community building using Mobile Device Applications

Abstract
This paper presents an Italian peer mentoring programme implemented by second-year undergraduate students (peer mentors) to support first years (mentees). The peer mentoring scheme aims to promote student community building and endorse active learning. We recruited 20 mentors and 32 mentees into the programme. Data were extracted through the use of semi-structured questionnaires, which were exposed to qualitative analysis. Peer mentors decided to implement their peer mentoring activities using Mobile Device Applications [MDA]. A qualitative content analysis was employed to evaluate students' perceptions. The findings suggest that the use of MDA improved student academic experience generating a sense of community to facilitate students learning and social life. Students were satisfied with the adoption of MDA to foster active learning and community building between undergraduate students. Participants adopted MDA for promoting the peer mentoring scheme and planning events for mentees and to stay in touch throughout the peer mentoring programme. However, participants have highlighted criticisms and improvements.
Conclusions discuss potential prospects of the adoption of innovative technology-enhanced learning MDAs into models of education to build and consolidate student communities beyond the context of the classroom.