Investigating learning styles in the online educational environment

ABSTRACT

As the majority of traditional educational institutions move toward some version of online instruction and institutions devoted totally to online instruction emerge, it is imperative that the mechanisms of this instruction support the needs of current and future cadres of online learners. The rational for investigating learning styles in this context is presented focusing on the characteristics of the online learner population and the tendency of this population to be more "at risk" and less traditional then learners in a typical university setting. The theoretical foundations for anticipating benefits from utilizing learning styles in the online context are articulated. The potential for utilizing information technology to facilitate utilization of learning styles in this environment is explored. Finally, a research model for exploring the effectiveness and level of learner satisfaction with using learning styles in this context is presented.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  J. Computer Applications
  J.4 SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

General Terms:
Experimentation, Human Factors

Keywords:
canfield, education, learning styles, online