Staying connected: Student teachers' perceptions of computer‐mediated discussions

TLDR: This paper examined the perspectives of four student teachers who used computer-mediated discussion (CMD) during their school-based field practicum and concluded that using an online discussion forum can give student teachers professional and personal support and encourage close relationships with peers and can be used as a tool to construct content knowledge about teaching and learn ing.

Abstract: This qualitative study examined the perspectives of 4 student teachers who used computer‐mediated discussion (CMD) during their school‐based field practicum. Five types of data were collected for this study: interviews, focus group transcripts, concept maps, e‐mail correspondence, and archived online messages. Analysis of the data suggests that using an online discussion forum can give student teachers professional and personal support and encourage close relationships with peers and can be used as a tool to construct content knowledge about teaching and learn ing. However, 1 participant did not engage freely online and believed CMD unnecessary. This lack of engagement exemplifies limits of using CMD with student teachers. Conclusions focus on the possibilities and limits of using an online discussion forum for supporting student teachers during their school‐based field practicum.