Offer and use of virtual and face-to-face mentoring: perceptions of nursing tutors and students / Oferta y uso de tutorías virtuales y presenciales: percepciones de profesores y estudiantes de enfermería

Abstract

Abstract The aims of this study are to compare the perceptions of tutors and students of nursing at the University of Seville (Spain) on the offer, use and time distribution of face-to-face and virtual mentoring, to analyse the influence of socio-demographic variables on this, and to find out which tools tutors use for virtual mentoring. A descriptive correlational study with 181 professors and 1,015 students is carried out, in which a previously validated questionnaire is applied; the analysis is supported with SPSS 18.0. The majority of tutors affirm that face-to-face mentoring is used the most. The tool used the most in virtual mentoring is email. It is observed that the characteristics of the mentoring are influenced by the tutor’s teaching experience and dedication, their academic background and qualifications and the educational centre where it takes place. Virtual mentoring is presented as a strategy that allows students greater access to and use of mentoring. However, not only the use of e-mail should be promoted, but also the use of other communication tools at the same time, such as chats and video calls, since students require speedy attention that is also fluid and personalized.