| The problem. The purpose of this study was to examine student ratings concerning the efficacy of Web-based instruction in relation to the integration of technologies, the principles of good practice, and the accommodation of multiple intelligences in order to derive inferences and formulate recommendations for designing courses that effectively accommodate the needs of adults who learn in diverse ways and thus increase student satisfaction by adding dimensionality to the experience of learning for all students. Synonyms include computer-mediated, cyber, e-courses, electronic, Internet, online, virtual, and WWW courses.;Method. A correlational study was conducted in which 20 students enrolled in Web-based courses with the Blackboard, Inc. platform were administered an email instrument to investigate student perceptions concerning Web-based instruction before the completion of their courses.;Results. Research findings of the study revealed the following: Significant correlations existed between student satisfaction with Web-base instruction and student ratings of Web-based technologies, principles of good practice, and multiple intelligences/learning styles. Discussion board, course information, email, Web links, and announcements features received higher ratings than syllabus, journal, file exchange, multimedia, and homepage features. Recommendations for a robust integration of technologies were formulated based on study findings. Student-faculty contact, student-student collaboration, active learning, and high expectations received higher ratings than prompt feedback, time on task, and diverse ways of learning. Recommendations for a robust implementation of good practices were formulated based on study findings. Intrapersonal, interpersonal, visual, and verbal intelligences received higher ratings than logical, musical, bodily, and naturalist intelligences. Recommendations for a robust accommodation of diverse intelligences were formulated based on study findings. Future research can address whether a robust integration of additional technology features or a streamlined approach results in greater student satisfaction, whether a robust implementation of principles of good practice or a diverse approach that also embraces programmed instruction results in greater student satisfaction, and whether a robust accommodation of every intelligence or a selective approach results in greater student satisfaction. |
