Interactive video conferencing: Powerful preparation of preservice teachers

Teacher education programs are accused of graduating candidates that fall into the category of failing teachers or teachers who flee the profession when their career is only beginning. Though there may be many causes for this problem, teacher preparation programs must help curtail this exodus before instructional damage to children becomes institutionalized. Teacher education programs have increased clinical experiences, offered guarantees and warranties that their new teachers are prepared to meet the needs of diverse students when they graduate, and established more rigorous admissions process to the teacher education program. In addition to these initiatives, one university in the Southeast United States is using new and emerging interactive video technology as a tool to face this challenge.