Impact of Learning Styles on Instructional Design for Distance Education.

Abstract

The interaction of adult learning styles and the media, methods of instruction, and group functioning in a distance learning class using audiographics and computer-mediated communication was studied and compared with similar interaction in non-equivalent traditional classes. One graduate class in theory and practice of distance education, taught at a distafice with 15 students, and 3 traditional on-campus classes were selected. The interaction of learning style and media, methods of instruction, group functioning, and support was determined by administering a questionnaire developed for the study and subjecting results to an . analysis of variance. The major finding is that learning styles do not impact how students interact with media and methods of instruction, but do affect satisfaction with other learners. Class type impacts student satisfaction with media, methods, group satisfaction, goal setting, and group climate. Results of this study cannot be generalized because of the small sample in the distance class. (SLD) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Othce of Educational Research and irnpro.emz.it EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC1 This document has been reproduced as received from tne person or organization originating a C Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction Quality Points of view or opinions statno in MIS clOCu. went do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy International Council of Distance Education 16th World Conference Bangkok, Thailand November 8-13, 1992 Cr.)