The effect of web course tools on students' attitudes toward social work research and technology

Abstract

Evidence conflicts as to whether students of social work hold positive attitudes toward research utilization and toward technology as a research aid. For this prospective observational study, Web Course ToolTM (WebCT) sites were developed to supplement a graduate course on research methods. MSW students were surveyed to measure the extent to which their attitudes toward research and technology changed over the semester. Students’ utilization of the WebCT site was also measured, both electronically and through the survey. In general, students began the course with a surprisingly positive disposition toward the subjects; their attitudes further improved by the end of the course; and they gave the WebCT materials substantial credit for bringing about this change.