Extending Preservice School Experience through Telementoring

Abstract

This telementoring project paired 23 preservice teachers and 13 inservice teachers in an idea exchange and in curriculum materials development. After an initial introductory e-mail exchange, pairs identified a topic for a thematic unit or a literature focus unit that the classroom teacher was currently teaching or developing for the future. Online activities continued throughout the semester related to the chosen unit; e-mail, the netWorkPlace discussion area, and a World Wide Web site were utilized. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, e-mail exchanges, and netWorkPlace interactions. Findings include the benefits to both teachers and preservice teachers and suggestions for developing a successful telementoring exchange. Suggestions for further research are also included. (Author/AEF)