Title
Illustrating the “virtual” in virtual schooling: Challenges and strategies for creating real tools to prepare virtual teachers
Abstract
Virtual schooling, or the practice of offering K-12 courses via distance technologies, has rapidly increased in popularity since its beginning in 1994. Although effective interaction with and support for students in these environments requires a unique set of skills and experiences, teacher education programs currently place very little emphasis on teaching and facilitation competencies for virtual school education. This article reports on a federally-funded project to develop a model preparation program for virtual educators. After a brief review of project goals (identifying and building competencies, developing tools to support virtual teacher education, and scaffolding a national community of virtual school practice), the description focuses on the development and formative evaluation procedures and findings with a tool designed to give preservice students in introductory teacher education classes foundation concepts in effective virtual schooling practices. Also included are implications of evaluation findings and recommendations for further research and development.
Year
DOI
Venue
2007
10.1016/j.iheduc.2006.11.001
The Internet and Higher Education
Keywords
DocType
Volume
Distance education,Virtual schools,Virtual schooling,Online courses,Instructional technology tools,Virtual teachers,Teacher education programs
Journal
10
Issue
ISSN
Citations 
1
1096-7516
3
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.77
1
7
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Niki Davis1184.23
M.D. (Peggy) Roblyer230.77
Amina Charania351.82
Rick Ferdig431.45
Chad Harms530917.71
Lily Ko Li Compton630.77
Mi Ok Cho730.77