Using unmediated computer conferencing to promote reflective practice and confidencebuilding in initial teacher education

Abstract The use of computer conferencing in initial teacher education (ITE) has been well documented, along with the barriers to its implementation. Existing research includes investigation into ways in which computer conferencing can be used as a medium to support reflective thinking and professional discourse between university tutors, teachers, student teachers and their peers during school placement. This article takes a different approach, examining instead whether computer conferencing can be successful between ITE peer groups, from different educational systems, without tutor moderation. It considers to what extent computer conferencing can raise students' confidence in the use of information and communication technologies and can encourage ‘reflective practice’ among student teachers. The report also considers the extent to which on-line discussion among student teachers can provide emotional support and stress relief during the course's most intensive period of teaching practice. Finally, it describes how participating student teachers in Northern Ireland used computer conferencing to compare experiences relating to their teacher education course and to establish communication with their counterparts in the Republic of Ireland.

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