Faculty Attitudes toward Web-Based Instruction May Not Be Enough: Limited Use and Obstacles to Implementation

Abstract

Data from 87 out of 250 faculty (34% response rate) responded to a two-page survey on Internet usage, attitudes, and perceived benefits and shortcomings. Overall, 73.6% of the faculty indicated a positive view of using the Internet for instructional purposes and 69.4% believed that the Internet is an effective teaching tool. However, only about one-half (47%) of our sample currently use online didactic approaches to present material in their courses. Also, 58.1% of faculty respondents indicated that they had either “no” or “very little” formal training in the use of the Internet as an instructional method. The distinction between attitudes and behavior is discussed and strategies for the enhancement of formal training of faculty are presented.