Comparing Web-based to Traditional Instruction for Teaching Special Education Content

Abstract

Web-based instruction (WBI), including both online courses and online degree programs, offer flexibility to students and instructors and are now typical in higher education programs. Researchers compared WBI to traditional instruction for teaching undergraduate students about students with disabilities. Forty-four students participated in this study. Half were enrolled in the Web-based section of the course; half were enrolled in the traditional section. Researchers measured students' achievement and opinions. For pretest and posttest scores, significant differences were found within groups; no significant differences were found between groups. Results indicated that the two groups of students began the course with similar knowledge and completed the course with similar knowledge gains. No significant differences in opinions were found between the two groups. Findings indicated that WBI is effective for disseminating special education course content to preservice teachers.