The practicum experience during Covid-19 – Supporting pre-service teachers practicum experience through a simulated classroom

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically disrupted schooling around the world. Social distancing requirements have resulted in many countries closing physical school buildings or remaining open but delivering a hybrid model of off-site and on-site teaching and learning. This poses a variety of challenges for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs situated in Higher Education (HE) contexts, particularly in meeting practicum requirements. This paper provides insight into a study examining the viability of a technology-based simulated classroom to support the practicum experience of ITE students. Early investigations suggest that technology-based simulated environments may supplement and support the ITE practicum experience, and now particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.