Mentorship programme

Terms of Service

Last updated on 25 June 2024

These Terms of Service constitute a legal agreement between the service provider (Who’s your ADDIE) and the user (you, the participant). They define the rights and responsibilities of both parties and outline the terms of use for Who’s your ADDIE’s online platforms and services. 

Who’s your ADDIE reserves the right to update this Terms of Service from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes should you be an active participant of the programme at the time.

By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you confirm your commitment to comply with all rules and guidelines outlined. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not participate in the programme.

1. Definitions and interpretations

In this terms of service, the following terms have the following meanings:

  • ‘Code of Conduct’ means the Who’s your ADDIE Code of Conduct captured here.
  • ‘Content’ means any text, graphics, images, audio, video, software, data compilations, and any other form of information capable of being stored in a computer that appears on or forms part of this programme.
  • ‘Mentor’ means a dedicated and knowledgeable individual responsible for running the programme and facilitating the live sessions.
  • ‘Participant’ means an individual enrolled in the mentorship programme who actively engages in programme offerings.
  • ‘Platform’ means the digital tools and services used for communication and collaboration within the mentorship programme. Specifically, the platforms utilised are Google Meet for conducting live sessions and Slack for ongoing communication, discussion, and resource sharing.
  • ‘We’ means Who is your ADDIE (PTY) LTD (Registration No. 2021/453612/07) trading as Who’s your ADDIE.

2. Guidelines and standards

To ensure a positive and respectful learning environment, Who’s your ADDIE asks all participants to adhere to the guidelines and standards listed below. 

+ Programme participation

Everyone has earned their spot here and their time and opinions are to be valued. That is why active and respectful participation is essential to create a collaborative and enriching learning environment for everyone involved.

  • Eligibility: The mentorship programme is open to individuals over the age of 18 who meet the eligibility criteria, which include professional background and aspirations as specified in the programme details.
  • Commitment: Participants are expected to commit to the duration of the programme, attending scheduled sessions and actively engaging in activities and discussions.
  • Group dynamics: Live sessions are tailored to address participants' specific questions and meet the needs of the group. Therefore, participants are expected to respect the time and needs of the group by avoiding dominating discussions and allowing everyone to share their opinions and ask questions.
  • Language: All submissions are to be made using the English language as we may be unable to respond to enquiries submitted in any other language.
  • Further questions: Participants are encouraged to save further questions for either the Slack channel or the 1:1 session with their mentor.

+ Conduct and behaviour

Maintaining high standards of conduct ensures a safe and supportive space for all participants. That is why all participants must adhere to Who’s your ADDIE’s Code of Conduct, which includes guidelines on respect, professionalism, communication, privacy, and platform etiquette. Misconduct, inappropriate behaviour, and any actions that disrupt the learning environment will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the programme. 

+ Privacy and confidentiality

Who’s your ADDIE is committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of participants' information and intellectual property, both during and after the programme. Respecting privacy and confidentiality is crucial for building trust and maintaining the integrity of the mentorship experience.

  • Personal information: Who’s your ADDIE respects your privacy and will handle your personal information with care. All personal information collected (including, but not limited to, your name and address) will be collected, used, and held in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and your rights under that Act. Who’s your ADDIE may use your personal information to:
    • Provide services to you.
    • Process your payment for the services.
    Who’s your ADDIE will not pass on your personal information to any other third parties without first obtaining your express permission.
  • Confidentiality: Participants must respect the confidentiality of all information shared during the programme. This includes intellectual property of Who’s your ADDIE such as resources and examples shared in case studies, as well as the intellectual property of other participants.
  • Group dynamics: Live sessions are tailored to address participants' specific questions and meet the needs of the group. Therefore, participants are expected to respect the time and needs of the group by avoiding dominating discussions and allowing everyone to share their opinions and ask questions.
  • Sharing: Mentors will not share personal or sensitive information outside the programme without consent, and participants are bound by the Code of Conduct to respect these principles as well.

+ Intellectual property

Protecting intellectual property rights fosters creativity and ensures that original work is properly valued and respected.

  • Content ownership: All materials provided during the mentorship programme, including but not limited to documents and presentations, are the intellectual property of Who’s your ADDIE or other respective owners as specified. By participating in the mentorship programme, you acknowledge that such material is protected by applicable South African and international intellectual property and other laws. Participants may use these materials for personal learning purposes only. They may not reproduce, copy, distribute, store, or in any other fashion re-use material from the mentorship programme unless given express written permission to do so by Who’s your ADDIE.
  • Plagiarism: Using someone else’s work without proper acknowledgement is strictly prohibited and will be considered a breach of Who’s your ADDIE’s terms.
  • External sites: During the programme, Who’s your ADDIE may share links to other sites. Unless expressly stated, these sites are not under Who’s your ADDIE’s control. Who’s your ADDIE assumes no responsibility for the content of such websites and aren’t liable for any loss or damage that comes from using them. Just because another site’s link is included doesn’t mean Whos your ADDIE endorse the site or the people who run it.

+ Platform usage

Proper use of the platforms ensures smooth communication and maximises the effectiveness of the programme.

  • Google Meet and Slack: Participants will use Google Meet and Slack as primary communication platforms. They must adhere to the platform-specific guidelines outlined in the Code of Conduct, including maintaining appropriate video backgrounds, staying on topic in discussions, and respecting others’ time and contributions. Participants must also adhere to Google Meet's Acceptable Use Policy and Slack’s User Terms of Service.
  • Connecting: Participants must have access to a stable internet connection (20 Mbps), a webcam, and a set of headphones or earphones with a microphone. It is recommended to participate in live sessions using a desktop or laptop computer rather than a mobile phone in order to see examples clearly.

In agreeing to these Terms of Service, you acknowledge that Who's your ADDIE reserves the right to monitor any and all communications made to them or using their platforms.

+ Inappropriate behaviour

If you encounter any issues or witness inappropriate behaviour, report it promptly to mentors@whosyouraddie.com. Who’s your ADDIE promise to take all reports seriously and address them in accordance with their policies. Reporting issues promptly helps maintain a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

+ The role of the mentor

Understanding the role and limitations of mentors helps set realistic expectations and ensures productive interactions.

Mentors and the mentorship team are responsible for:
  • Running group sessions and providing support.
  • Teaching participants about types of e-learning projects and audiences and how project specifics influence accessibility, community building, types of interactions, interoperability, etc.
  • Providing one 1:1 session where they will guide you in developing areas in which you are interested, helping you solve a specific problem, or offering career advice.
  • Responding to Slack messages within 24 hours during business hours (08:00 - 17:00).
Mentors are not:
  • Obligated to answer questions unrelated to the programme or make edits and/or review participants' work outside of the 1:1 session.
  • Fountains of expertise on every conceivable e-learning or EdTech topic, but they will do their best to point you in the right direction.
Rules of engagement with mentors: 
  • Try to keep all communications on Slack.
  • If your query is general and could benefit the whole group, post it on the relevant Slack channel.
  • Keep communications clear and to the point.
  • Discuss topics related to the programme and avoid discussing personal matters.

+ Programme changes

Flexibility in the programme ensures it remains relevant and valuable to all participants. Therefore, Who’s your ADDIE reserves the right to modify the mentorship programme at any time. Participants will be notified of any significant changes. If participants feel that the programme is not meeting their needs, they can request a transfer to a different stream.

+ Expulsion

Who’s your ADDIE reserves the right to remove any participant from the programme for violating these Terms of Service or the Code of Conduct. Removal may be accompanied by appropriate disciplinary action, depending on the severity of the violation. Participants will be notified of expulsion via email and an explanation will be provided. Participants will not receive a refund for the mentorship programme following expulsion.

Enforcing these terms maintains the programme’s integrity and ensures a respectful learning environment.

+ Refund policy

Who’s your ADDIE does not offer refunds. However, participants can request a deferral or transfer to another programme stream within the first four weeks of the current programme if they feel the programme is not meeting their needs.

This policy allows for flexibility while maintaining programme integrity.

+ Limitation of liability

Who’s your ADDIE is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation in the mentorship programme or from the use of the company’s website or meetings platforms. Participants engage in the programme and use the company website and platforms at their own risk.

+ Disclaimers

  • Who’s your ADDIE makes no guarantee of any specific results from the use of their service or services.
  • No part of Who’s your ADDIE’s website is intended to constitute a contractual offer capable of acceptance.
  • Whilst Who’s your ADDIE uses reasonable measures to ensure that the website is secure and free of errors, viruses and other malware, participants are strongly advised to take responsibility for their own internet security, their personal details and their computers.

+ Law and jurisdiction

These Terms of Service and your relationship with Who’s Your ADDIE are governed by the laws of South Africa. If any issues arise that we can't resolve together, you'll need to take it up with the courts in South Africa.

+ Dispute resolution

All disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement (‘Disputes’) that have not been resolved by good faith negotiation within ninety (90) days shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act 42 of 1965. Each party will have the right to conduct reasonable discovery as determined by the arbitrator. A qualified and impartial third-party arbitrator will be selected by Who’s your ADDIE and approved by the other party.

Other than with respect to equitable relief, neither party shall be entitled to commence or maintain any action in a court of law with respect to any matter in dispute or relief required, except as noted above, until such matter or request for relief shall have been submitted to and decided by the chosen arbitrator and then only for the enforcement of the award of such arbitrator. 

The arbitrator shall render a written award that contains essential findings and conclusions on which decision is based and such decision shall be final and binding upon parties and all persons claiming under and through them. All fees and expenses of the arbitrator, including administrative fees, shall be borne by parties in accordance with the applicable law. Any award resulting from arbitration authorised by this Agreement shall be binding and conclusive upon all parties. 

Conclusion

By agreeing to these terms, you confirm your commitment to comply with all the rules and guidelines outlined. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you will not be able to participate in the programme.