Over the past 8 to 10 years, web-based learning tools (WBLT s), also known as learning objects, have been evaluated and received positively by higher education students. However, little research has been done examining teachers perceptions of these tools, particularly in middle and secondary school environments. The purpose of the current study was to analyse teacher perceptions of the use of WBLT in middle and secondary school classrooms. Data collected from the Learning Object Scale for Teachers (LOES-T) showed moderate to good reliability and demonstrated construct and convergent validity. Overall, most teachers rated WBLT s as easy-to-use and engaging for students. They also reported that WBLT s promoted successful learning. A number of teachers noted that significant time was spent searching for appropriate WBLT s and preparing lessons. T echnological problems related to WBLT s were not reported often and focussed mostly on Internet speed. The main suggestion offered by teachers was to be prepared to spend time selecting, testing, and preparing the materials in order to ensure successful use of WBLT s.Keywords: evaluate, assess, usability, scale, secondary school, WBLT s, web-based learning tools
Literature ReviewIn the past 10 years, a concerted effort has been made to increase the presence of technology in K-12 classrooms. Many countries report average student-to-computer ratios at about 5 to 1 and Internet access in schools above 90% (Compton & Harwood, 2003;McRobbie, Ginns, & Stein, 2000;Plante & Beattie, 2004; US Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, 2002). However, a number of researchers have argued that the mass infusion of technology in the classroom has had a minor or negative impact on student learning (e.g., Cuban, 2001; Roberston, 2003;Russell, Bebell, O'Dwyer, & O'Connor, 2003;Waxman, Connell, & Gray, 2002). Part of the problem stems from a considerable list of barriers that a number of teachers face, even when computers are available. These barriers include a lack of time (Eifler, Greene, & Carroll, 2001; Wepner, Ziomek, & T ao, 2003), limited technological skill (Eifler et al., 2001;Strudler, Archambault, Bendixen, Anderson, & Weiss, 2003;Thompson, Schmidt, & Davis, 2003), fear of technology (Bullock, 2004;Doering, Hughes, & Huffman, 2003), and a clear lack of understanding about how to integrate technology into teaching (Cuban, 2001). In addition, it is unclear how student-to-computer ratios translate intoMaterial published as part of this publication, either on-line or in print, is copyrighted by the Informing Science Institute. P ermission to make digital or paper copy of part or all of these works for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that the copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage AND that copies 1) bear this notice in full and 2) give the full citation on the first page. It is permissible to abstract these works so long as credit is given. To copy in all other cases or to republish or to post on...