Developing Preservice Teachers' Global Understanding through Computer-Mediated Communication Technology

Department

Secondary and Middle Grades Education

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2009

Abstract

This study examines preservice teachers' conceptual understanding of global education subsequent to participation in an asynchronous web-based multinational project to discuss issues related to cultural diversity and global challenges. Data included 59 preservice teachers' online messages and reflective essays. Six perspectives emerged from this inquiry: global education as cultural learning and understanding, fostering tolerance, addressing global issues, teaching global connections and collaborations, promoting peace, and critical understanding of global issues and events. The findings suggest that the online discussion provided a unique opportunity for participants to interact with teachers and students from different countries in an authentic context.

Journal Title

Teaching and Teacher Education

Journal ISSN

0742-051X

Volume

25

Issue

5

First Page

617

Last Page

625

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.tate.2008.09.016

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