Providing Field Experiences with Diverse Populations for Preservice Teachers: Using Technology to Bridge Distances and Cultures

This article discusses a technology project that enables preservice teachers to have field experiences in diverse settings from a distance. Using the interactive capabilities of video conferencing over the Internet, preservice teachers engage in a "virtual" field experience with a diverse classroom in a distant school. Preservice teachers involved in the program have the opportunity to be involved with students they would not experience in the local area, to work with a teacher with knowledge of diversity, and to use technology in meaningful, productive ways. In this article, three teacher educators explore their goals in implementing the project, and discuss preservice teachers' understandings of diversity based on an analysis of electronic portfolio materials and questionnaires.