RR 90-9 Beginning teachers and computer networks: A new form of induction support.
Abstract
Interactive computer networks, long available to members of the scientific and business communities, now are being introduced by departments and schools of education to enhance and continue the education of teachers. Electronic networking, linking beginners with other beginners and with their former university- based teacher educators, provides a new medium of support for beginners. In this paper, the author presents research related to the Beginning Teacher Computer Network at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This electronic network offers support and direction to novice teachers in disparate geographic locations during their first year of teaching. In particular, she examines the following questions: First, what is gained or lost by substituting face-to-face interactions with a system involving telephone lines and electronic equipment? And second, what influence does the referent of multiple teaching contexts that are represented by the novices on the network have on the articulation of concerns and the development of strategies and problem solutions? These questions form the foundation for a deeper understanding of the influence of electronic networking on induction support and the potential of this medium to encourage and foster reflection in beginning teachers.