Web-based Instruction for School Library Media Specialists: Unleash the Power of the World Wide Web

A Web-based distance learning course developed with World Wide Web Courseware (WebCT) is the focus of this study. The course, Advanced Reference: Online Searching Techniques, concentrated on assisting students in developing skills for searching Internet resources, in particular the resources and databases of the Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO) initiative. The sources of data were logs from the synchronous chat area, bulletin board postings, e-mail communications, course usage statistics, student projects, and structured interviews with the participating students. Results from the preliminary study indicate the following: (1) participants' attitudes towards Web-based instruction are positive and (2) Web-- based instruction provides a learning environment in which participants can develop electronic literacy skills and share their ideas and projects.

An Investigation of Pre-service Visual Arts Teachers’ Perceptions of Computer Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Towards Web-based Instruction

This study aimed to examine the pre-service visual arts teachers’ perceptions of computer self-efficacy and attitudes towards web-based instruction studying at the Faculties of Education. Their perceptions of computer self-efficacy and attitudes towards web-based instruction were compared by the variables of gender, class and academic success based on causal comparison method. The participants of the study consisted of 250 pre-service teachers who received visual arts education at the Faculties of Education at Marmara, Necmettin Erbakan, Atatürk and Gazi Universities. Data were collected through Perceptions of Computer Self-efficacy Scale and Attitudes Towards Web-based Instruction Scale. The findings showed that the pre-service visual arts teachers’ perceptions of computer self-efficacy and attitudes towards web-based instruction were high. In addition, pre-service teachers’ perceptions of computer self-efficacy and attitudes towards web-based instruction differed by gender and year of study. There were significant positive correlations between pre-service visual arts teachers’ perceptions of computer self-efficacy and attitudes towards web-based instruction.