Virtual K–12 School Field Experiences: A Review of the Literature

• In Event: Designing Innovative Field Experiences in the Context of COVID-19

Abstract

This paper presents a literature review of studies that explore virtual school field experiences (VSFE) of preservice teachers in K-12 teacher preparation programs. A total of 10 qualitative and mixed method studies published in 2010-2020 were identified and synthesized. This literature review aligns studies to the skills researchers are recommending policymakers adopt for VSFEs in teacher preparation to ensure online teacher quality. The evidence from this review indicates that VSFEs only partially address the skills that researchers recommend for VSFEs. Further research into VSFEs is needed to inform teacher preparation programs as they inexorably move toward meeting the demand for more K-12 teachers who can teach online.

Authors

• Cynthia Castro-Minnehan, University of South Florida - Tampa

• Ruthmae Sears, University of South Florida

• Yiping Lou, University of South Florida