William and Rodney Jordan, the founders of MelaNet, come from a rich family legacy. Always stressed was the belief that the Black Family should at all times encourage and see to it our children receive exposure to new ideals and technologies. The Watoto World On-line Mentor Program is a MelaNet Research and Development project created to explore the possibilities of matching techni-capable Internet users with K-12 students and educators working jointly toward bridging the gap between the technology "haves" and "have-nots."

Purpose and Objectives

1. Expose students to the Internet and on-line technologies
2. Assist our children in bringing their creativity to the electronic global village
3. Encourage a positive and productive interchange between Black children exploring the information superhighway and Black adults currently or soon to be navigating themselve.
4. Provide electronic resources for homework assistance, project research, and technological encouragement
5. Assist educators in using the Internet for classroom activities
6. Provide additional role models for students

Why On-line Mentoring

Value to the Student

• Exposure to Internet
• Exposure to greater number of professionals, educators, students, and otherswho populate the internet
• Motivation to explore new technologies
• Access to global educational resources
• Encouragement to pursue education

Value to the Teacher

• Access to individuals versed in the latest technologies
• Opportunity to explore new lesson plan capabilities
• Personal enrichment from exploring the Internet
• Access to other educators

Value to the Mentor

• Opportunity to directly impact the technological interests of our children
• Exposure to the educational needs of today's children
• Opportunity to develop new methods of empowering our communities via technology

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Student Interns

• Help the students and teachers understand the benefits of the Internet and its possibilities
• Talk with the group of students on a weekly basis to determine how the program is progressing
• Assist students with answering email and mentor assigned projects

Responsibilities of the Student Mentee

• Communicate with the mentor a minimum of 2-3 times per week
• Share at least three areas of interest with Big Brother
• Use proper grammar, correct spelling, and proper manners when addressing mentor, teachers, and parents (Dear Big Brother so-and-so).
• Answer all e-mail sent by the mentor

Responsibilities of the Teacher

• Develop topics of discussion and research for class to conduct with mentors
• Maintain daily log/diary of student reactions to the program
• Ask for help whenever needed
• Resolve all communication problems quickly.

Responsibilities of the Mentor

• Encourage students to pursue their unique interests and goals
• Assist students with any coursework questions
• Emphasize the importance of education, homework, good grades, and properclassroom demenanor
• Communicate with mentee at least 2-3 times per week
• Resolve all communication problems quickly