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I Should Have Known This Was Coming

I should have known this was coming. For some, it has been far too long in the making. What is it? A special issue on computer-mediated discussion (CMD) devoted to the field of teacher education. Those of us navigating the trenches of computer conferencing and online collaboration for the past decade or two can attest to the numerous CMD opportunities for teacher education instructors and students alike as well as for those in any discipline. We can also confirm the difficulties of establishing and coordinating online discussion. We are aware of the complexities of fostering interaction and discussion among preservice teachers as well as understanding the learning-related impact of those interactions. And we have likely experimented with our own teaching in an effort to help students see multiple perspectives and viewpoints. Life on the CMD trail has been simultaneously exciting, intriguing, challenging, frustrating, and intense. Fortunately, the articles in this special issue offer us a window into all of these emotions and reactions. Four of the five articles of this issue were presented at the American Educational Research Association meeting in Chicago in April of2003. During that session, there were several issues and themes that resonated with those attending, prompting the collaborative effort of the authors represented in this special journal issue. Many of you will likely be familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of online discussion within a course or set of educational experiences, either as a student or an instructor or both. But if many are already aware of the pros and cons of CMD, why is this special issue needed? There are at least six reasons.