Examination of the satisfaction levels of art teacher candidates regarding the use of virtual museums

This study aims to examine the satisfaction levels of visual arts teacher candidates regarding the use of virtual museums based on variables such as gender, age, grade level, income status, internet usage time, prior museum visits, prior virtual museum visits, and having taken courses related to museum education. The study group, selected through convenient sampling, consists of undergraduate 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th-year and graduate students enrolled in the Department of Fine Arts Education, Painting Education Program at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University during the 2023-2024 academic year. Teacher candidates were introduced to several virtual platforms offering virtual museum tours and were asked to conduct a virtual tour in a museum of their choice. Data were collected using a developed personal information form and the Virtual Museum Satisfaction Scale. Following their virtual tours, candidates completed the personal information form and the satisfaction scale. The data were analyzed using a quantitative research method, specifically the descriptive analysis model. The scale results revealed insights into teacher candidates' satisfaction with virtual museums and their views on the usability of these platforms. The findings indicate that the general satisfaction levels of visual arts teacher candidates with virtual museums were high. No significant differences were observed in satisfaction levels based on variables such as gender, age, grade level, or income status. This suggests that virtual museums provide equal benefits to diverse groups. Additionally, prior experiences with museums or virtual museums, internet usage time, and having taken museum education courses did not significantly influence satisfaction levels. The results demonstrate that satisfaction levels are primarily derived from the unique opportunities offered by virtual museums. Therefore, it can be concluded that virtual museum applications are effective platforms for teacher candidates.