Teacher Education and Technology: Strengths and Weaknesses of Two Communication Tools

Two primary types of electronic communication tools are used in teacher education programs: synchronous and asynchronous. Each has its key strengths and weaknesses and has been docu-mented as appropriate for a different set of circumstances. Synchronous interaction involves the parties (learners, or learner and instructor) being online at the same time and communicating in real-time whereas asynchronous interaction involves the parties communicating over elapsed time. Few studies have focused on the advantages and disadvantages of various types of asyn-chronous communication tools, namely forums and electronic discussion groups. Our results show that the electronic discussion group appears to bring together students teachers who, often during their practicum, feel isolated, therefore contributing to the development of a learning community. Data collected also highlight how electronic discussion groups are much more appre-ciated by preservice teachers than forums and are much more effective for preservice teachers who wish to become reflexive practitioners