Online Simulations: How Can We Better Prepare Preservice Teachers for the Classroom at a Distance?

Preparing preservice teachers for the practical challenges of the classroom is an ongoing problem which has been made even more difficult by the pandemic. One method for providing preservice teachers with necessary experience is through simulations. In a multi-university partnership, we have created virtual digital simulations that challenge preservice teachers’ perceptions and reasons for integrating technology, computational thinking (CT) and computer science (CS) education in their classrooms. Preliminary results demonstrate that these virtual digital simulations may provide one component of a multi-pronged approach to offering preservice teachers with practical experience they can take with them into the field.