Share Paper: Supporting Virtual Field Experience Implementation through Stakeholder-Focused Program Theory Evaluation

  1. Maureen Sanders-Brunner, Ball State University, United States
  2. Matthew Stuve, Ball State University, United States
Tuesday, March 22 3:00 PM-4:00 PM Harborside Center

Abstract: Educational technology advocates and reformers have called on teacher preparation to offer an array of virtual field experiences (VFEs) to ensure that preservice teachers are prepared to effectively practice in online environments. Recently, these calls have been echoed in policy texts and scholarship. However, despite interest within and outside the field, most practitioners have yet to implement VFE programs. One possible reason may be that calls to reform policy and practice precede empirical and practical knowledge and justification. This reasoning is supported by the limited knowledge base available on how best to develop, implement, and sustain VFEs within different contexts. ...