Framing and re-framing through computer-mediated communication: providing pre-service teachers with alternate support structures

Abstract

In this article we suggest that online environments can function as alternate ''organizations'' for pre-service and beginning teachers who may find themselves struggling in schools. Building on prior work on framing and reframing in organizations and schools, the authors present a new frame of analysis specifically geared for web-based learning/support communities. Data consist of transcripts from two forms of online discourse-an e-mail listserv and an electronic discussion board-from two groups of student teachers located in two US states. The development of the new frame and its potential use is relevant for teachers, teacher educators, and school administrators.