Cybermentoring: Evolving High-End Video Conferencing Practices to Support Preservice Teacher Training
Todd E. Johnson, Ph.D.
Gerald H. Maring, Ph.D.
John H. Doty
Michelle Fickle
Washington State University
Abstract
This article is a descriptive study of an evolving cybermentoring videoconferencing practice and tool developed to support preservice teacher training. Cybermentoring projects are synchronous distance learning collaborations using high-end video conferencing to foster interactive learning and tutoring among preservice teachers and K-12 students, all of whom are mentored by classroom teachers and university faculty. Cybermentoring for preservice teachers is situated within the theoretical frameworks of constructivism and "co-teaching." A list of projects and two streaming videos illustrating these projects facilitated by our state's cyberinfrastructure are provided. In addition, a case study of one cybermentoring project is presented in terms of its procedures, participants, and participant reflections. The benefits and challenges of cybermentoring are discussed before five suggestions [technology training, strengthening the assessment skills of the cybermentors, improved assessment of tutee learning, use of focus groups, and recommended use of high quality desktop videoconferencing] for improving cybermentoring projects are offered.
About the Author(s)...
Todd E. Johnson is an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at Washington State University. Dr. Johnson’s research interests include student assessment, measurement, and evaluation relating to recruitment and retention. He can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Gerald H. Maring is a Professor of Literacy Education at Washington State University. Dr. Maring’s research interests include content literacy and educational technology. He is a co-director of the WSU Engineering Education Research Center. He may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
John H. Doty is a Doctoral student in the Literacy Education program at Washington State University. He may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Michelle Fickle is a Graduate Student in the Literacy Education program at Washington State University. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
