Abstract:
This paper focuses on the use of embedded tools and support materials within a web-based classroom simulation. The simulation allows the user to adopt the role of a Kindergarten teacher where they have to "teach" a typical literacy episode that we have called "days of the week". During this episode the he user is asked to make decisions about the organisation of the classroom, the teaching and learning experiences to be offered and classroom management issues.
A key component of this on-line simulation is the embedded tools and the support materials. These have been incorporated to encourage users to think more deeply about their role as a classroom teacher. Also we hope that the experience with the simulation will have a positive impact on related practicum experiences. As users makes decisions throughout the running time of the simulated classroom episode, they are supported with embedded thinking spaces and regular student updates organised according to the NSW pedagogy model (DET, 2003).
We report on the data that we have collected about use of the embedded tools and support materials by a cohort of pre-service teachers.
A key component of this on-line simulation is the embedded tools and the support materials. These have been incorporated to encourage users to think more deeply about their role as a classroom teacher. Also we hope that the experience with the simulation will have a positive impact on related practicum experiences. As users makes decisions throughout the running time of the simulated classroom episode, they are supported with embedded thinking spaces and regular student updates organised according to the NSW pedagogy model (DET, 2003).
We report on the data that we have collected about use of the embedded tools and support materials by a cohort of pre-service teachers.