Abstract:
This paper examines the use of the Learning Management System Blackboard, as a means of communication with pre service teachers when they are in the field in school environments during the Professional Experience Program [PEP]. It reports on a small study that investigated the communication exchanged between the Professional Experience Coordinator and a group of pre service teachers. Communicative contributions by the PEP Coordinator were based on communication categories that provided supportive and organizational information. Pre service teachers' communicative contributions were essentially contained around teaching experiences they had to plan for in their classrooms. Requests were made for ideas to motivate students, manage student behaviour and for resources that could be used to enhance student learning. Pre service teacher communication also included a sharing of successful teaching experiences and events. Insights gained on the nature and extent of communicative contributions between pre service teachers and the PEP Coordinator using Blackboard during the PEP allowed for an understanding of the issues and concerns that were experienced. It further suggests that the accelerated communicative support and feedback accessed asynchronously by pre service teachers when they are in the field has the potential to strengthen and enhance their teaching during the PEP.