Preparing Preservice Teachers with Technological Skills Through Virtual Field Experiences in North Carolina Educator Preparation Programs: A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study
Date
2023-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The problem is many educator preparation programs (EPPs) in the U.S. may not be adequately using virtual field experiences (VFEs) to prepare their preservice teachers (PSTs) with the knowledge and skills needed for the future of learning in the Industrial Revolution (I.R.) 4.0. An examination of relevant literature identified five types of VFEs that could be used to provide PSTs with the technological skills needed for their future classrooms. Despite an increase in sporadic uses of VFEs due to the pandemic, there is a notable gap in research among state EPPs' use of VFEs. The purpose of this qualitative exploratory case study was to examine how North Carolina EPPs utilize the identified types of VFEs to prepare their PSTs with knowledge and experience using digital tools and innovative technologies. The study was conducted to utilize Kolb's experiential and Brown et al.'s situated cognition learning theories as the theoretical framework. Research questions focused on prevalence, types, and digital tools utilized in VFEs within North Carolina EPPs. Purposeful sampling was employed to select one field experience expert from each in-state public and private approved EPP in North Carolina. The qualitative case study comprised 16 participants, all of whom completed the questionnaire and 2 of whom participated in a semi-structured interview. The analysis involved coding the information for themes and interpretations, which revealed that despite the surge of VFE use during the pandemic, many EPPs have returned to traditional in-person field experiences, indicating the need for further research on VFE integration and use in EPPs.
Keywords: A.R. (Augmented Reality), digital competence, digital tools, educator preparation programs, mixed reality, North Carolina, online teaching, preservice teachers, simulations, telepresence technologies, V.R. (Virtual Reality), videoconferencing, virtual field experiences
Description
item.page.type
Other