Using Videoconferencing Technology to Enhance Classroom Observation Methodology for the Instruction of Preservice Early Childhood Professionals

摘要

To learn about and become acclimated to the environment in which they someday plan to work, preservice teachers and pre-professional day-care providers are typically required to conduct onsite observations. Traditionally, these observations require that the pre-professional spend a required number of hours studying the dynamics of the real-world classroom. Although there are clear benefits to this practice, there are also limitations. In one educational program, videoconferencing technology was used as a means to offset these limitations and, more important, to enhance the benefits of this necessary practice. Results from this study indicate that remote video observations were preferred by participants in most aspects over those conducted onsite and produced quantifiably richer and more effective observation experiences.