Applications of Video-Conferencing Technology in Special Education Teacher Preparation

Abstract

Teacher educators must find ways to teach course content situated within realistic K-12 contexts so that their preservice teachers can better understand how to apply that content effectively in situations they will face as professionals. Video-conferencing (VC) technology has emerged as a useful tool in teacher education, evincing a wide range of instructional functions. Users who integrate VC in teacher education coursework fundamentally enhance the potency of their instructional outcomes by enabling preservice teachers not only to learn about classroom settings, but also to interact with students and teachers within classroom settings. Video conferencing allows one to observe classrooms and other school-based environments unobtrusively; to engage in discussions with school-based professionals, students, and families; and to mentor, coach, and evaluate preservice and novice teachers-all from physically remote sites. The purposes of this article are to (a) describe, and present a rationale for employing, this technology in preparing special educators; and (b) showcase the utility of video-conferencing technology within one midwestern special education teacher preparation program. The article concludes with some lessons learned and implications for research regarding the use and efficacy of this technology.

“Let's FaceTime Tonight”: Using Digital Tools to Enhance Coaching

“…Although digital technologies, such as social networks, video, and web-mediated discussion platforms, have been used in mentoring relationships to strengthen teacher preparation and novice teachers' transitions to school-based placements (e.g., Alger & Kopcha, 2010;Israel, Knowlton, Griswold, & Rowland, 2009;Kinchin & Bryant, 2015), their use in PD contexts with inservice teachers is still in its infancy. Yet, results of studies on technology use for inservice PD are promising.…”

Effects of Professional Development and Videoconferencing on the Increase of Opportunities to Respond and the On-Task Behavior of Students with Emotional Behavior Disorders

“…Virtual coaching may be a critical strategy for new and struggling teachers to receive regularly scheduled communication, sustenance to properly implement evidence-based strategies, reassuring feedback, and moral support from experienced teachers/coaches (Dal Bello, Lnowlton, & Chaffin, 2007;Israel, Knowlton, Griswold, & Rowland, 2009;Wasburn, WasburnMoses, & Davis, 2012).…”

“…Virtual coaching with videoconferencing can take place via free Internet programs such as Skype, OoVoo, Google Hangouts, or Face Time with coaches who are housed in other schools, district offices, or the office of PD providers (Israel et al, 2009). This technology increases the number of teachers that a coach can have contact with on a regular schedule.…”

“…Virtual coaching using videoconferencing considers the time and convenience of both the coach and the teacher. A teacher may be more agreeable to feedback from a coach if the session can take place at a time and place more comfortable and convenient for her/him (Israel et al, 2009). Virtual coaching using videoconferencing technologies can present difficulties in that not all teachers or coaches are proficient in the use of these online technologies.…”

Can you Skype me Now? Developing Teachers' Classroom Management Practices through Virtual Coaching

“…If the material taught in other venues is to provide the value that it should, changes in teaching methods will have to be made. New technology, such as the Skype-based virtual coaching used with Kalli, has already begun to provide a promising direction for these changes, making possible new forms of interactions between students and university instructors (Israel, Knowlton, Griswold, & Rowland, 2009;Rock, Zigmond, Gregg, & Gable, 2011). Still, the need for additional research remains, particularly in the area of Web-based coaching (Gallucci, Van Lare, & Boatright, 2010;Kretlow & Bartholomew, 2010;Rock, Gregg, Thead, et al, 2009;Rock et al 2012).…”