It Can Be Done! Creating Authentic Field Experiences in an Online Teacher Preparation Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate graduate students' perceptions of online field experiences. Responses to pre- and post-survey items provided data to examine whether online field experiences provided an authentic learning experience for graduate students enrolled in a Master of Arts in teaching program. Additionally, student reflections were coded, revealing six trends in student perceptions. This paper provides student perception data that indicate the online field experience is preferred by students to on-site field experiences associated with an online graduate degree program.