Everyone has their own "style" for collecting and
organizing information into useful knowledge, and the online environment
can be particularly well suited to some learning styles and personality
needs. For example, introverted students often find it easier to communicate
via computer-mediated communication than in face-to-face situations. Also,
the online environment lends itself to a less hierarchical approach to
instruction which meets the leaning needs of people who do not approach
new information in a systematic or linear fashion. Online learning environments
are used to their highest potential for collaborative learning which complements
many students' learning styles, and independent learners have also found
online courses to be well suited to their needs.
Because learners have different learning styles or a combination
of styles, online educators should design activities that address their
modes of learning in order to provide significant experiences for each
class participant. In designing online courses, this can best be accomplished
by utilizing multiple instructional strategies. Below is a table of the
most common learning styles. These descriptions reflect different channels
of perception (seeing, hearing, touching/moving):
Visual/Verbal
Learners:
These people learn best when information is
presented visually and in a written form. In a classroom setting,
they prefer instructors who use visual aids (i.e. black board,
PowerPoint presentation) to list the essential points of a lecture
in order to provide them with an outline to follow during the
lecture. They benefit from information obtained from textbooks
and class notes. These learners like to study by themselves in
quiet environments. They visualize information in their "minds'
eyes" in order to remember something. The online environment
is especially appropriate for visual/verbal learners because
most of the information for a course is presented in written
form.
Visual/Nonverbal
Learners: These people learn best
when information is presented visually and in a picture or design format.
In a classroom setting, they benefit from instructors who supplement their
lectures with materials such as film, video, maps and diagrams. They relate
well to information obtained from the images and charts in textbooks. They
tend prefer to work alone in quiet environments. They visualize an image
of something in their mind when trying to remember it.These learners may
also be artistic and enjoy visual art and design. The online environment
is well suited for this type of learner because graphical representations
of information can help them remember concepts and ideas. Graphical information
can be presented using charts, tables, graphs, and images.
Auditory/Verbal
Learners: These people learn best
when information is presented aurally. In a classroom setting, they benefit
from listening to lecture and participating in group discussions. They
also benefit from obtaining information from audio tape. When trying to
remember something, they often repeat it out loud and can mentally "hear" the
way the information was explained to them. They learn best when interacting
with others in a listening/speaking activity. Online learning environments
can complement these learners' style. Although most information is presented
visually (either written or graphically), group participation and collaborative
activities are accomplished well online. In addition, streaming audio and
computer conferencing can be incorporated into an online course to best
meet the learning style of these students.
Tactile/Kinesthetic
Learners: These people learn best
when doing a physical "hands-on" activity. In the classroom,
they prefer to learn new materials in lab setting where they can touch
and manipulate materials. They learn best in physically active learning
situations. They benefit from instructors who use in-class demonstrations,
hands-on learning experiences, and fieldwork outside the classroom. Online
environments can provide learning opportunities for tactile/kinesthetic
learners. Simulations with 3-Dimensional graphics can replicate physical
demonstrations. Lab sessions can be conducted either at predetermined
locations or at home and then discussed online. Also, outside fieldwork
can be incorporated into the coursework, with ample online discussion both
preceding and following the experience. Finally, the online environment
is well suited for presentation and discussion of either group or individual
projects and activities.
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