Student Teachers Lived Experiences of Online Internships during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Opportunities and Challenges

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Education, Farhangian University of Nowshahr, Nowshahr, Iran

2 Corresponding author, Farhangian University of Sari, Sari, Mazandaran

3 Department of Curriculum Studies and Instruction, Faculty of Educational Sciences, Ferdowsi University

10.22091/jrim.2025.12141.1197

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the lived ex periences of online internships of student teachers and identify the opportunities and challenges of this internship approach. This qualitative study was conducted using thematic analysis. The research population included student teachers who had completed their internships virtually at Farhangian University. The sample consisted of 17 student teachers who were purposefully selected using the snowball sampling technique. Data were collected through semi-structured online interviews, each lasting between 45 and 60 minutes, and data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis was conducted in three stages: extracting basic themes, organizing themes, and generating overarching themes (final structuring of findings). Preliminary findings were shared with participants to enhance the study’s validity and reliability. In addition, Researcher notes and reflexivity were employed to control bias, and coding was reviewed and verified by qualitative analysis experts. The results indicated that student teachers perceived online internships as offering opportunities such as enhanced technological skills, reduced economic costs, and increased self-directed learning. However, the study also identified challenges such as weak technological infrastructure, limited face-to-face interactions, reduced feedback quality, and psychological isolation. Student teachers emphasized the need for in-person interactions, improved technological infrastructure, and psychological support. The findings suggest that a blended model of in-person and virtual internships, with a focus on social interactions and technological system improvements, could enhance the quality of this experience.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 20 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 12 March 2025

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