Virtual Reality in Teacher Preparation: Constructing Possibilities for Orienting Novice Teachers to School Communities (Poster 48)

• In Event: Saturday Poster Session 1:15 pm
  In Poster Session: Advanced Technologies for Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

New teachers face significant cognitive overload in visualizing and understanding the multiplicity of factors influencing teaching and learning beyond curriculum. This study evaluates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) data visualizations in aiding novice teachers to understand and connect these factors more efficiently. Through the use of geo-referenced quantitative data on historical, economic, environmental, and sociocultural factors, combined with qualitative data comprised of community asset mapping and interviews with community members, novice teachers are oriented to the community context of their school in a novel way that disrupts deficit orientations. This study aims to pioneer an innovative approach to data visualization that spurs new pedagogical approaches and educational possibilities.

Authors

• Amy Leigh Tondreau, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Anita Komlodi, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Lee Boot, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Priya Rajasagi, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Erik Wikane, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Neha Nooka, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Rajmi Doshi, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Tristan King, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Kara Seidel, University of Maryland - Baltimore County