Adapting Online Education to Different Learning Styles.

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to determine if online learning could be adapted to individual learning styles and if that made a difference in the standardized testing scores of Internet students. We then compared those scores to those of traditional students. It has clearly been shown that online learning is adaptive, whereas traditional classrooms are not always adaptable. Our goal was to establish whether online learning and adaptive learning styles made a difference in test scores, and if so, could that knowledge be utilized in the traditional classroom? The answer was yes to both questions. Current Learning Theories There is a wealth of information, both on the shelves of libraries on the Internet, which addresses the different learning theories that have been suggested over the past 3 or 4 decades. Those most often quoted are Kolb and Gardner. While most theorists disagree, or come from a different approach, about learning styles, it is generally accepted that there are basically four stages of learning. They are: 1. Exposure Stage—the first time a concept (such as long division) is new to us. 2. Guided Learning Stage—when we still can’t do the problems without help. This is where most people get stuck. 3. Independent Stage—With review, guidance and hard work we reach stage 3. 4. Mastery Stage—Comes with more practice, final goal of education Regardless of how a student learns, the stages remain the same. It is up to the instructor and the curriculum content developer to assist the student in getting past the guided learning stage to become an independent learner, thus building on newly gained learning concepts or skills. It has also been shown through repeated studies that students learn in different ways, or through a combination of different ways, thus supporting Smith and Kolb’s learning cycle concept.

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