The Effects of Virtual Coaching on Teacher Candidates' Perceptions and Concerns Regarding On-Demand Corrective Feedback

• In Event: 35.081 - Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: 35.081-11 - Using Technology to Support Supervision in Teacher Education

Abstract

A virtual coaching intervention utilizing Bluetooth devices provided immediate corrective feedback to nontraditional teacher candidates during a semester-long internship experience. Participants completed the internship as a requirement of a university teacher preparation program located at a mid-size university in a southeastern state. Specifically, the intervention employed on-demand corrective feedback utilizing Skype VoIP and Bug-in-the Ear (BIE) Bluetooth technology. This study reports participants’ perceptions and concerns about participating in a virtual coaching intervention. Findings suggest that the innovation was not disruptive to participants, and enabled participants to redirect their instructional practices and behaviors immediately. Interns unanimously felt that the BIE virtual coaching was a positive experience for them, one they preferred over traditional face-to-face observations.

Authors

• Tammy Benson, University of Central Arkansas

• Alicia Cotabish, University of Central Arkansas

• Donna Wake, University of Central Arkansas