– Adopting Davis’ (1989) technology acceptance model (TAM), the purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived differences between asynchronous presentation tools (webcasts) and in-person presentations in a graduate program designed for the professional development of English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers at a private university in Turkey.
– Data were collected for the three different types of presentations (i.e. in-person, video, and Prezi webcasts) the students performed in four different courses throughout the 2013-2014 academic year.
– The analysis of the data coming from a three-part questionnaire revealed that students preferred in class presentations for learning purposes but agreed that webcasts were higher in quality as they included audio-visual materials. This study also concluded that for procedural knowledge that came from hands-on activities, students preferred in-person presentations, while for conceptual knowledge, Prezi webcasts were more preferred as they allocated time for students to reflect, do more research on, and effectively contribute to online discussions.
– The data came from questionnaires; had there been interviews with the students, more insights could have been gained into their perceptions of webcasts as well as how the students actually used them for learning purposes.
– The studies specifically focussing on the use of audio and video podcasts/webcasts integrated these tools as supplementary materials to course content in traditional lectures. Yet, the use of webcasts as a student presentation tool rather than a duplicate of teachers’ lectures or supplementary materials still remains unknown especially in relation to the extent to which individuals’ acceptance of this instructional technology.
