A supporting service in teacher training: Virtual newspaper

Abstract

This study focuses on establishing communication via virtual newspaper in institutions where pedagogical education is provided. By considering the traditional newspapers, the role of virtual newspapers, published in the internet, in the improvement of teacher candidates, its significance on his/her interaction with the institution and the usage of this communication channel are dealt with in this study. In 2015−2016 academic year, 35 teacher candidates took part in the study. In this study qualitative research methods were used both in collecting and evaluating data. The virtual newspapers created by teacher candidates were analyzed by content analysis method and the viewpoints of the teachers to the study were researched. Obtained results of the study were as follows: Teacher candidates performed meaningful learning on educational subjects, established a link between their fields of training and areas of expertise and had the advantage of using various techniques and methods, However, teacher candidates, who were below the average in using information technologies, had some difficulties in preparing a virtual newspaper and they indicated that working on a virtual newspaper had a disadvantage as it consumed too much of their time.