Online Networks Can Help Preservice Teachers, Report Finds

edWeb.net has published a new report, Pathways to Participation for Preservice Teachers, which looks at how online networks can help preservice and new teachers connect with practicing educators who can provide them with the knowledge, resources, and mentoring they will need to be successful in the classroom.

Pathways to Participation for Preservice Teachers reviews research, past experience, and examples of current practice using online networks to connect preservice teachers with in-service educators.The report was written by Karen Collias, an educational advisor and researcher with more than 25 years of experience in the United States and abroad. Collias has worked as an analyst, evaluator and director in national educational reform programs focusing on teacher preparation and science education. She recently completed an evaluation of STEM education for the state of Delaware.

Some key insights from the report include the following:

  • Researchers have identified major benefits of teacher online connectivity to fill the gap between what preservice teachers experience in the university and what they will find in schools.
  • Teacher educators add value to teacher preparation by exposing students to real-world teaching practices through extra-university online communities that address individual interests and affinities.
  • Establishing connectivity through online communities reduces isolation among new teachers and delivers expertise, mentoring and opportunities to establish and expand professional networks.

The report was cosponsored by Knowledge Without Borders and MCH Strategic Data.

About the Author

Christopher Piehler is the former editor-in-chief of THE Journal.

Featured

  • classroom scene with students gathered around a laptop showing a virtual tour interface

    Discovery Education Announces Spring Lineup of Free Virtual Field Trips

    This Spring, Discovery Education is collaborating with partners such as Warner Bros., DC Comics, National Science Foundation, NBA, and more to present a series of free virtual field trips for K-12 students.

  • glowing padlock shape integrated into a network of interconnected neon-blue lines and digital nodes, set against a soft, blurred geometric background

    3 in 4 Administrators Expect a Security Incident to Impact Their School This Year

    In an annual survey from education identity platform Clever, 74% of administrators admitted that they believe a security incident is likely to impact their school system in the coming year. That's up from 71% who said the same last year.

  • horizontal stack of U.S. dollar bills breaking in half

    ED Abruptly Cancels ESSER Funding Extensions

    The Department of Education has moved to close the door on COVID relief funding for schools, declaring that "extending deadlines for COVID-related grants, which are in fact taxpayer funds, years after the COVID pandemic ended is not consistent with the Department’s priorities and thus not a worthwhile exercise of its discretion."

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.