Abstract:
In 2001, James Cook University commenced its pre-service teacher internship program. This paper describes current research which shows that ICT, telementoring and uninterrupted periods of teaching in a preferred area of interest heightens motivation and expertise of beginning teacher interns as they enter the profession. It includes examination of the effects of new pedagogies, diverse ways of thinking, unusual classroom arrangements, including those with no walls, use of innovative ICT programs and mentor support within the University. Issues of distance, rurality, isolation, low socio economic, indigenous and multi-cultural environments which impinge on new teacher effectiveness are contextualised.