The purpose of this study was to field-test several conferencing technologies in regional schools to determine whether the technologies are appropriate for the needs of the university supervisor, trainee teachers and supervising teachers in practicum placements. The study also explored the potential of technology for other related purposes. Four…

Despite the abundance of research reporting authentic, student-centered classroom discussion helps to increase engagement with literary texts and deepen students' understanding of texts, little authentic, student-centered discussion actually occurs in secondary US English classrooms. Reasons for this vary, but some classroom language researchers…

A blended in-service arrangement was designed to support Russian science teachers from rural schools in the integration of technology. Blended learning combines multiple delivery modes that are designed to complement each other and promote learning and application-based behavior. The blended in-service arrangement consisted of two main components:…

This article describes how a blogging exchange between preservice teachers and elementary school children was used as part of a social studies pedagogy course. The objective of this exchange was to develop the preservice teachers' understanding of children's differing learning needs, interests and learning styles while the children were immersed…

This study examined the benefits and difficulties that graduate student teachers perceived while participating in online collaborative group activities during their first year of a masters program. Overall, it was discovered that the three most prominent perceived learning outcomes involved 1) the teachers' recognition of the value of a supportive…

This study investigated the efficacy of case development as an instrument for teacher learning in technology integration. In particular, the study investigated whether case development can help teachers (a) develop the ability to integrate technology with content and pedagogy, and (b) cultivate skills required to reflect on their own teaching with…

The development of inquiry and project-based materials is challenging in many ways, not the least of which is the design of supports for teachers implementing such materials. We report on the design of educative and just-in-time teacher supports for an online project-based unit in ocean science. The teacher supports were visible as tabs on the…

Field experience is a core element in an initial or preservice teacher education programme. It allows students to enact and reflect on their developing philosophies of teaching and is the "testing ground" for theory/practice links. Educational theorists and programme planners in distance delivered teacher education programmes acknowledge the…

The education of science teachers necessarily involves instruction around the use of computer technologies. Acadia University, a laptop institution, offers a unique setting where students are immersed in the critique of pedagogical applications of computers. The current trend to employ constructivist approaches in teaching provides a backdrop for…

Realizing the potential of online or virtual communities to facilitate teacher professional development requires educators to change their current perceptions of professional development. This calls for educators to develop new images of ongoing opportunities for professional development, based on their needs within an online community of learners…

Discusses how the use of a newsgroup with elementary preservice teachers enabled discussion on classroom management, course-related, and controversial issues. Using this electronic format, students also supported each other through decision-making processes and stressful situations. The electronic discussion group became a forum where students…

Describes the design and development of Internet-based software for keeping reflective journals that supports learning from field experience by students in a teacher-preparation program. The software and learning system enables students to capture and share accounts of experiences, link to resources, and engage in various modes of conversation and…

Describes two federally-funded rural teacher education networking programs designed to introduce telecommunications to practicing teachers. The projects mobilized school personnel, introduced some students to information technologies, provided focus for discussions and interactions, and made administrators aware of the issues and possibilities.…

This study was undertaken to better understand the nature of preservice teachers' reflective thinking during case discussions about classroom management in two online formats: synchronous versus asynchronous. Findings indicated that when participants engaged in synchronous online case discussions they had higher levels of critical reflection than…

Electronically mediated professional exchange is viewed as a valid form of professional dialogue and support. This study examines an effort to link teachers in 10 isolated schools to collaborate in curriculum planning and delivery, focused on a site for resource sharing and communication. Viewed in terms of data concerning extent, nature, and…