Using Virtual Simulations in Teacher Education to Develop Equitable Teaching Strategies
Abstract: Classrooms are becoming more diverse as society becomes more diverse. Preparing teachers to encounter and effectively teach in diverse environments is important. However, providing teacher preparation candidates the opportunity to encounter these experiences in a real classroom is often challenging or impossible. Virtual teaching simulations are becoming more widespread in the teacher preparation programs and allow multiple experiences with a wide variety of learners while providing valuable feedback for improvement. This panel will include educational researchers who have used a variety of simulation environments to improve teaching strategies. Discussion about how these virtual environments can improve teachers’ abilities to address a variety of learners in an equitable and effective way will the focus of the panel.