Authentic learning across international borders: a cross institutional online project for pre-service teachers

Abstract

This paper reports on three iterations of a dynamic and authentic learning experience which involved a learning community of pre-service teachers, teachers and teacher educators from Queensland, Australia and Alberta, Canada. Participants in the online community inquired into real world teaching issues that are present in today’s diverse classrooms (e.g., ICT integration, second language learners, cyberbullying and students with special needs). Asynchronous discussions from the online learning experience were analysed to identify the nature and types of interactions pre-service teachers engaged in as they questioned, researched and interpreted a range of perspectives as part of the learning experience. From these meaningful conversations, they continued to build a rich understanding of teaching practice by drawing connections between theories, experiences and realities of teaching in contemporary contexts.