Technological innovations in initial teacher education

Key messages:

1. A growing number of initial teacher education (ITE) providers in Australia are using virtual reality (VR) technologies to help prepare pre-service teachers for classroom teaching.
2. Emerging technologies can provide pre-service teachers safe learning environments to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-life application.
3. VR-simulated classrooms can be customised across different contexts and complexity levels, allowing personalised support for pre-service teachers to build their confidence and hone specific skills.
4. Simulations afford pre-service teachers opportunities to experiment with rapport-building and classroom management strategies before or between real classroom practical experiences.
5. VR technologies can foster communities of practice in ITE programs, enabling teacher educators and pre-service teachers to collaborate and actively engage in reflective practice processes based on their interactions.

Introduction/why read:

Across Australia, initial teacher education (ITE) providers use a range of technologies as part of their programs to prepare aspiring teachers for professional practice. But what does the evidence show? Our latest Spotlight report, Innovative technologies in initial teacher education, explores how virtual reality simulations provide valuable opportunities for pre-service teachers to receive feedback, practice teaching techniques, and develop inclusive teaching practices in controlled settings.