Bridging the gap: probationer EPs use of computer-mediated conferencing

Twelve educational psychologists in training on the M.Sc. course at the University of Strathclyde were provided with e-mail and on-line computer conferencing facilities with the aim of developing critical thinking and transferable information technology skills. A follow-up 6 months after the end of the course revealed that the use of computer-mediated conferencing increased the amount of and improved the structure of exchanges between educational psychologists in training, which helped them to bridge the gap between the course and the commencement of their probationary period. The findings from this case study highlight the importance of computer-mediated conferencing for the training of educational psychologists. The implications for educational psychology services are also discussed.