Publication:
Breaking social barriers: A participatory observation of social-media interactions in an undergraduate-student mentorship of at-risk youth at a foster care institution in Puerto Rico

Thumbnail Image
Authors
Irizarry Ramos, Elenita
Embargoed Until
Advisor
Rivera, Rosita L.
College
College of Arts and Sciences - Arts
Department
Department of English
Degree Level
M.A.E.E.
Publisher
Date
2015
Abstract
This study employed qualitative methods to capture the online interaction of undergraduate volunteers as part of an undergraduate-student mentorship program. This program was developed to provide mentorship and tutoring for at-risk-youth at a foster care institution. A total of twenty participants communicated via Facebook to supplement coordination meetings. Participants were enrolled in a three-credit free-elective service-learning course from the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez. The development of a sense of community among mentors in a closed Facebook group was observed. Results through critical Discourse Analysis suggest Facebook both fostered and facilitated a sense of community.
Keywords
Facebook,
At-risk youth,
Foster care,
Undergraduate students,
Discourse analysis
Cite
Irizarry Ramos, E. (2015). Breaking social barriers: A participatory observation of social-media interactions in an undergraduate-student mentorship of at-risk youth at a foster care institution in Puerto Rico [Thesis]. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11801/202