Digital Youth Network has developed a mentor framework that defines the essential qualities of a digital mentor, informs the design of professional development for mentors, and is at the core of the mentor badge system.  These elements are critical to developing shared practices and a common approach to working with young people because DYN mentors create enriching learning opportunities and adapt to youth interests and pursuits.

The framework includes four essential components:

• Pedagogical Knowledge –  understanding the connections between teaching and learning
• Social/Cultural Capital – forging relationships with youth grounded in learning and in the creation of digital artifacts
• Technical fluency – fluidity within and across new media tools
• Personal portfolio – demonstrating new media knowledge and skills

The mentor framework is the core of the professional development for adult learning which include activity structures such as:

• Collaborative Goal-Setting
• Individualized Learning
• Problem-Solving
• Engaging & Interactive Activities