Sustaining mentoring relationships on-line

Abstract

CSCW systems and research aim to sustain productive relationships over barriers of time and space. For the most part, however, the CSCW literature has focused on short-term relationships or collaborative episodes. Here, we examine in depth 26 lengthy email relationships between students in grades 7 to 12 and volunteer scientists who advised them on science projects. We illustrate the unique dynamics of these relationships, consider their technical and social demands, and discuss the potential for CSCW systems to help sustain long-term help relationships by better accommodating their needs.