Perceptions of prospective classroom teachers on using interactive whiteboards through micro-teaching

The purpose of this mixed type study is to determine the perceptions of prospective classroom teachers on implementing micro teaching method and using interactive whiteboards in teacher education. The current research was conducted to purport prospective classroom teachers' perceptions about utilizing interactive whiteboards through micro teaching processes within teacher education. The study also aimed to expand on potential of micro teaching that is implemented into prospective classroom teachers' education on instructional technology and materials development. The data was collected from 272 prospective classroom teachers attending Hacettepe University Faculty of education and enrolled at "Instructional Technologies and Material Development" course at this university. The data was collected by means of Interactive Whiteboard Perception Scale and semi structured interview form. While the quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test, the qualitative data analyzed through content analysis. Analyses of the data indicate that perceptions of prospective classroom teachers' are in a positive way and their perceptions do not vary significantly in terms of gender. This study pointed out that prospective classroom teachers consider using interactive whiteboards at their future careers and they perceive IWBs possess numerous advantages on instruction at primary level. In addition, they are clear with the positive effect of implementing micro teaching method within teacher education process and they recommend utilizing micro teaching in professional development of prospective classroom teachers.