Online tools are most effective for teachers when they have what?

Online tools are most effective for teachers when they have a mentor working with them because a mentor can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to the teacher's needs and challenges in integrating technology into their teaching. This relationship can enhance the teacher's ability to effectively utilize online tools, facilitating a deeper understanding of both the tools themselves and best practices in educational technology.

Mentorship encourages the development of skills through shared experiences and knowledge, enabling teachers to confidently implement digital tools in their classrooms. A mentor can help troubleshoot issues, provide innovative strategies, and offer feedback, which can significantly improve a teacher's efficacy in using these online resources.

While having experience with digital tools can also be beneficial, it's not strictly necessary for teachers to be effective. Instead, a mentor's influence can bridge gaps in knowledge and empower teachers to take shared ownership of their professional growth and the students’ learning experiences.