Addressing learner diversity by promoting flexibility in e-learning environments

Abstract

E-learning has opened a multitude of possibilities for teaching and learning. As the market matures there is a demand for more effective and cost-efficient learning interventions that meet the learning needs of the diverse learner population. Currently, however, very few teaching attempts have been made to match the pedagogical styles underlying e-learning interventions to students' diverse learning styles. Information and communication technologies can provide a variety of ways for adapting learning environments to students learning styles, although they are not often used to their full potential. In the Global Campus (GC) project at Middlesex University, we studied the differences in the learning styles of our distance and classroom students. We then examined the electronic learning resources and underlying pedagogical approach to establish how effectively they accommodate the diverse learning styles of the students. Finally, we proposed some measures to improve the e-learning environment in a way that matches the students' learning styles more effectively.