An Investigation of the Relationship between the Teacher Candidates' Internet Usage and Their Habits of Reading

With the rapid increase in the use of information technology, internet usage has also increased. Although internet usage facilitate one's life and increase one's motivation; it might cause problems in one's social and psychological development. On the other hand, the habit of reading contributes to development of skills such as reading comprehension, problem solving and critical thinking. Developing these skills is very important for teacher candidates since they will train future generations. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between teacher candidates; internet usage and their habit of reading in Istanbul University. The study was a correlational research study. In this regard, the relationships between teacher candidates' habit of learning; and their age, their subject-area, their purpose of internet usage, their favorite website, time they spend on the internet were investigated. The universe of the present study consisted of teacher candidates in Istanbul University. In the study, a personal information sheet developed by the researcher was used. The personal information sheet included information about teacher candidates' gender, age, department, purpose of internet usage, time they spend on the internet and number of book they read.