Some variables predicting learners’ attitudes toward web-based instruction

الملخص EN

As more and more institutions of higher education plan to integrate web-based instruction into their settings, a need exists to understand and predict learners' attitudes toward this new form of learning.

By being able to predict learners' attitudes, instructors and decision-makers can improve and enhance students' learning experience.

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which age, gender, prior experience with the Internet, and frequency of accessing the web-based course could predict learners' attitudes toward web-based instruction.

The study surveyed 440 students who were enrolled in the web-based course ″Accounting Principles (1)" offered by the Department of Accounting at the Hashemite University.

Students were taught in a flexible (mixed) mode of instruction.

Data about the four possible predictors and the dependent variable, learners' attitudes toward web-based instruction, was collected.

Multiple regression analysis using the stepwise approach was utilized to analyze the data.

The findings of the study indicated that learners' prior experience with the Internet and their frequency of accessing the web-based course may act as predictors of their attitudes toward web-based instruction.

More precisely, the study showed that approximately 11 % of learners' attitudes were accounted for by its linear relationship with both learners' prior experience with the Internet and their frequency of accessing the web-based course.

This study has identified important predictors that may prove too valuable to future researchers and instructors who are involved in the future of web-based instruction.