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Online Learning Styles

© Michael Cruse

Whether you're designing or taking a class online, you most likely have some preference for how you communicate with others. Just as in any other consumer affair, preference is what the Internet is all about. Think of it like trying to decide what kind of laundry detergent to buy. You've got to know what works best for you. You want a detergent that won't fade your leopard print underwear, doesn't smell like those jelly air fresheners and won't give you a rash. The first step is knowing yourself well enough to say what works for you. Luckily, that's not much harder than picking a detergent.

What worked before you stopped dropping your laundry off at home? If you don't know the answer to that one, you'll have to ask Mom, but think back to those school days for a second. What were some of your favorite classes like? How did those teachers make it interesting? Chances are it wasn't those 60 minute lectures. Was it easier to remember things you watched or heard; or was it a combination of the two? How important were hands on exercises?

These are important factors for anyone involved in distance learning to think about. Fortunately, I've found something to help: http://illinois.online.uillinois.edu/mod... "Learning Styles and the Online Environment" is a resource for educators and students alike, with links to a learning style survey and a compendium of learning theories to help make sense of different student preferences and abilities. It's as easy as separating your whites from your colors. I promise.

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