Valuing the promise, wrestling with the process: reflections on ITV teaching and learning in teacher education

Abstract

Using the framework of cooperative inquiry within action research, the authors engaged in collaborative critical self-reflection on their experiences teaching with Interactive Television (ITV) to accommodate teacher education students in remote rural areas. A discussion of quality distance education and building a community of learners is based upon the authors' individual teaching vignettes focused on creating quality ITV-based courses. The importance of student–student and student–teacher interactive dialogue to support self-sustaining and self-directed growth in pre-service and experienced teachers is emphasized. Research to support a beneficial evolution of distance education for teacher education must go beyond an analysis of the number of courses offered, students surveyed, and ITV sites managed to include deeper sensitivities to the distance education teaching–learning experience and process. Given the reality of the ITV teaching format, a postscript presents positive aspects and practical recommendations.