In March 2011, the U.S. Department of Education released a list of Teacher Shortage Area (TSA) nationwide. In most states the need for certified teachers fall in four main areas: English as a Second Language (ESOL), Mathematics and Science (6-12), and Foreign Language. The current study explored the ways in which career changers enrolled in online alternative teacher preparation programs experienced the online collaborative process, which is the focus of the 2008 National Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS). A case study was carried out with 16 Participants from five social networking sites (Classroom 2.0, Facebook, LinkedIn, ProTeacher and Independent Schools (ISE). Findings indicated that career changers (a) differentiate online collaboration that occurs in the workplace from online collaboration that happens in teacher preparation program, and (b) are making extensive use of Web 2.0 tools to collaborate outside of the LMS used by teacher preparation programs. Participants in the current study expected the teacher preparation program to expand their web-based skills, to promote the use of Web 2.0 tools, and to diminish the use of productivity tools (Word, Excel). Expectations of Participants were aligned with the 2008 NETS requirements for technology integration, which focus on virtual engagement and online collaboration with extensive use of Web 2.0 tools. Recommendations for further research include (a) role of previous employment on career changers' understanding of online collaboration, (b) use of Web 2.0 tools in online teaching preparation programs, and (c) alignment of NETS standards with online alternative teacher preparation programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]