Developing Community and Building Knowledge Online Using a Virtual Reality Environment and Student

Within an online science teacher education course, an important although secondary goal was to prepare students for a high-stakes licensure portfolio at some time after course completion. Thus, various communication technologies including synchronous virtual reality meetings and asynchronous student self-created video commentaries were interwoven to foster a community of problem solvers. This study examines the several technology-communication venues for evidence of student interpersonal communications and emerging content knowledge concluding with ways these communication tools might effectively support productive learning communities and engender professional yet “safe” and trusting environments in online and blended course environments