Analysis of awareness levels of students in science and art centers about Web 2.0 tools

Abstract

This study investigates the awareness levels of highly gifted students attending Science and Art Centers regarding Web 2.0 tools, aiming to address gaps in the literature and inform future research. The primary question explores students’ awareness, with subquestions examining differences by gender, educational level, and grade level. Employing a descriptive survey within a mixed-methods design, the study was conducted in the 2022–2023 academic year at the Edremit and Burhaniye Science and Art Centers (Balıkesir, Turkey). Convenience sampling yielded 302 primary and middle school participants. Quantitative data were collected via the Awareness Scale for Web 2.0 Tools, and qualitative data via semi-structured interviews, enabling a richer interpretation of findings. Results indicate that students perceive Web 2.0 tools as enjoyable, accessible technologies that enrich lesson content, diversify learning opportunities, support visual and auditory engagement, and enhance academic performance and learning permanence. The findings suggest that Web 2.0 tools can be effectively integrated into educational processes and provide actionable insights for subsequent studies.