The importance of understanding learning styles

The Importance of Understanding Learning Styles

Chris Vetrano

Spring 2014

Learning Styles

Learning Styles Spring 2014 Salome Daly

The Importance of Understanding Learning Styles

By Christopher M. Vetrano

I.

Introduction Learning styles are important to me for multiple reasons. Learning how I learn was an important first step in the process of how I can incorporated learning styles in design. Having knowledge of the different ways others learn also builds on this.

Creating designs that focus on the cultural aspects of learning and as well as the environment, are essential in creating holistic designs that know when to challenge people and when to be more accommodating or nurturing. This is very important in real world situations. For instance, a hospital would be a place where a designer should be more nurturing to its patients to help facilitate the healing, as well as developmental process. “Hospital rooms for premature babies were long built to accommodate their medical equipment and caregivers, not to promote the development of the newborns’ brains. Neuroscience research tells us that the constant noise and harsh lighting of such environments can interfere with the early development of a baby’s visual and auditory systems.” (Badger, 2012) A school on the other hand, would benefit students by challenging them, and giving them creative ways to use their minds. According to CHPS “Good teachers and motivated students can overcome inadequate facilities and perform at a high level almost anywhere, but a well-designed facility can truly enhance performance and make education more enjoyable and rewarding. Students and teachers shouldn't have to fight against their own classrooms to have a productive learning experience.” (CHPS, nd) Here is a list of the criteria CHPS wants all schools to become, Healthy Comfortable, Energy Efficient, Material Efficient, Easy to Maintain and Operate, Commissioned, an Environmentally Responsive Site, A Building That Teaches, one that is Safe and Secure, a Community Resource, Stimulating Architecture, and Adaptable to Changing Needs. (CHPS, nd) Work environments are another place where being more accommodating may have better results. An office building in Vancouver, Canada of, Hughes Condon Marler Architects, is a good example of an office that caters to its employee’s psychological needs as well as creating a sustainable building. “If staff feel a little warm at their desks in HCMA’s renovated light-filled studio, they are able

Learning Styles Spring 2014 Salome Daly to open a nearby window or even a skylight for a breath of fresh air. Or they can take a break and eat their lunch on the new garden deck complete with organic blue berries, fresh herbs, vegetables and two small apple trees

maintained using collected rainwater.” (Kang, 2011) Each micro environment within these institutions could also vary in how they are designed. Inducing stress, verses creating complacency, the goal is to finding a balance. For a patient in the hospital who is rehabilitating, small challenges could be beneficial. Finding the right blend is important and without the knowledge of learning styles it would be considerably more difficult to design such spaces effectively.

II.

My Future Plans As I take my next step in the academic world, I am finding that once again learning styles will play an integral part. In September 2014, I will be studying for my masters. A Master of Arts in Learning and Emerging Technologies.

“Designed as an interactive, collaborative inquiry process, the program’s overall goal is to come to a better collective understanding of how we can meet learning outcomes using various new, digital technologies. These emerging technologies include tools that extend online learning experiences beyond a single learning management system into a matrix of tools that can make up personal, and networked learning environments. These tools include, but are not limited to, means of: networking and communication (Skype, social networking sites, text chat rooms, blogs); interacting in immersive environments (SecondLife); engaging in simulations and games; sharing sources by bookmarking (digg, delicious); consolidating images, audio and video content (flickr, podcasting, YouTube); and collaborating on projects (wikis, google sites).” (Empire State College, nd) Furthermore it extends to culminating information about how people learn using these technologies.

“Develop an understanding of how people learn in technology-mediated environments.” (Empire State College, nd) It will also be useful when designing online learning environments specific to a person’s preferred learning styles or a learning style that may need to be enhanced.

“You are best equipped to learn from a wide variety of different experiences if you have more or less equal preferences for all four learning styles. This is because the

Learning Styles Spring 2014 Salome Daly stages in the learning cycle are equal contributors to the total process of learning from experience.” (DACMT, nd)

III.

Redefining Learning & Questioning its Efficacy Evaluating a person’s preferred learning style is important in helping people get more out of learning but equally important is enhancing learning styles that are not as well developed. What I have learned, that is true with all things, is balance is essential if we want things to function as well as they should. Having the ability to learn across the full spectrum of learning styles provides a more diverse field for learning and therefore affords one more opportunities to learn. In this journal entry I will explore how we can balance between learning styles and how through design, we can challenge and/or nurture the learning experience, within the learning environment. I will also see how technology will shape the future regarding web integrations, devices, programs, and LMS platforms, especially how they will enhance the learning experience.

“If professors teach exclusively in a manner that favors their students' less preferred learning style modes, the students' discomfort level may be great enough to interfere with their learning. On the other hand, if professors teach exclusively in their students' preferred modes, the students may not develop the mental dexterity they need to reach their potential for achievement in school and as professionals.” (Felder, 1996)

IV.

Applying My Knowledge In May 2014, I will graduate with a BA in Holistic Design. I also have 25 years’ experience in computers and technology. The master’s program I will be enrolled in will assist in combining my knowledge from these areas. I can then apply my knowledge to designing effective web based learning platforms. Incorporating these ideas into creating learning environments that can evolve as we learn and know when to challenge us and when to nature us, this is an important step in combating complacency and can be changed with better educational course planning. In an article by Carrie L. Saarinen, titled Complacency is not a 21st century skill, which

Learning Styles Spring 2014 Salome Daly looks at the efficacy of programs within academia, she ended with this, “It is understandable that institution-wide evaluation programs, especially ones that question efficacy, would not be welcomed. I think that fear or uncertainty is even more reason to do it. Complacency is not a 21st century skill.” (Saarinen, nd) The need for change is evident and according to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan “While we are seeing some encouraging progress on many important measures, the United States’ performance on the 2012 PISA is a picture of educational stagnation.

This is a reality at odds with our aspiration to have the best-educated, most

competitive workforce in the world.” (Resmovits, 2013) In 2012 he also said, while in a discussion with the governing body of the Learning First Alliance (LFA), “he views complacency as the biggest challenge facing public education in our country today.”

(Williams, 2012) Again, this further evidence that we must advance our learning strategies to align more precisely with the technology we have, technology is only as good as we program it to be. This is where proper design makes a significant difference.

E-learning platforms or Learning Management Systems (LMS), (“LMS is a software for planning, delivering, and managing learning events within an organization, including online, virtual classroom, and instructor-led courses.”), (Faruque, nd) to be more specific, are rapidly becoming the preferred method of learning for adults. Younger students too, are also finding it easier to make time, in their busy schedules, for school. It seems appropriate to focus my attention is this area, as it is the future of learning and must be designed with a holistic backbone for it to effectively teach the students of tomorrow. There are many LMS platforms on the market and available in Open Source. My research revealed the top three are Moodle Rooms, Desire 2 Learn, and Blackboard. They are all good platforms and have a robust amount of resources available in and through them. They use multimedia, blogs, interactive maps, also interactive classrooms using webcam applications and a host of other useful applications. I have also been fortunate to be using Moodle Rooms and I have used many different tools to enhance my learning environment. Although nothing that would be useful for me in determining my preferred learning styles, or a way to create my own personalized learning environment according to those styles. Overall I cannot find a platform that incorporates the tools necessary for student evaluation on the level that I am suggesting. The study I found comparing learning management systems, from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, “has concluded that the latest crop of learning management systems evaluated have made "significant progress" since the assessments started in 2005. However, one of the reports authors noted, "We believe much more needs to be done."” (Schaffhauser, 2013) The focus seems to be diverted from the perspective of the student and more on everything else. This is not to say

Learning Styles Spring 2014 Salome Daly that there is not good reason to focus on other aspects of these programs but giving the student more control over how they learn within the learning environment is essential.

Let’s imagine that Moodle Rooms gave students the ability to choose how they would interact with the assignments. For instance, by giving students several choices of how they could complete assignments would be a great way to choose their own learning style. Each assignment throughout the course could be completed differently, giving the student a chance to try a new approach. Evaluating those approaches could help students determine where they are strong learners and where they may need to

practice. If a student completed an assignment one week from the Kinesthetic Learners perspective and the following from the Visual Learners perspective they could develop more balanced learning skills giving the student the ability to alter between learning styles. They would also be in control over the amount they challenge or nurture themselves. If this were integrated into any of the LMS platforms available it would unarguably enhance the learning experience, a simple design that inspires balanced growth.

V.

Future Web Integrations & Tech Devices In India they are connecting universities together to form an interconnected university called Meta University. “The Meta University will reinterpret the concept of a University as not just a traditional, physical space of learning, but as a repository of knowledge and information that can be delivered in multiple ways, and can be accessed from anywhere and anytime. It will seek to enhance the learning experience through new and innovative delivery models of education that allow students and institutions to collaborate in unprecedented ways.” (III, nd, p.20) These innovations in how information is shared between universities is a bold step to interconnect a worldwide e-learning environment that has endless possibilities in how students could learn. “It is hoped that this would become a model for the world to emulate to move towards collaborative and multi-disciplinary learning that redefines knowledgecreation and knowledge-sharing in the twenty-first century.” (lll, nd,p.20)

Transcranial direct current stimulation is a technology that is showing positive results in learning. In a study by Banissy, Muggleton, 2013, they found “tDCS could have a beneficial effect in improving sports performance, by boosting “motor or

Learning Styles Spring 2014 Salome Daly perceptual learning,” and another study measuring hand motor functions found that tDCS could improve that as well, particularly in older people.” (Bushak, 2013) The company Foc.us, boosts that the unit can enhance cognitive abilities by increasing brain wave activity and is marketed to “Gamers” although I am guessing that is for legal reasons. Regardless, I think as we learn more about neuroscience we can expand on this technology and really see some interesting results. This could also be useful in helping people balance their learning styles.

Another great technology that is making its way to the market is Google Glass.

Incidentally I was invited to “The Glass Explorer Program” but unfortunately I cannot afford the $1500 price tag. Glass is a “wearable computer with an optical headmounted display (OHMD)” (Wiki, nd) It is also an interactive device that is designed for hands free access to the internet through voice commands. Everything a smart phone can do, you can do with Google Glass. Again, this is in developmental stages and has the potential to enhance the learning experience. Outside apps can also be

designed to provide access to multiple learning modalities, Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learners could all benefit from Google Glass. Google Glass can be useful in Distance learning too, “Webinars and such can be streamed directly onto your Glass than your smartphone or laptop so that it’s easy to be accessed anywhere, anytime.” (Foradian, 2013)

So aside from LMS platforms there are an array of apps, devices, and programs that can be used as a new approach to learning. Bring neuroscience together with technology the possibilities are endless and future students will perhaps have less stressful environments which in turn will facilitate a high quality learning.

References Badger, E. (2012, November 5). Corridors of the Mind -. Retrieved March 13, 2014, from http://www.psmag.com/culture/corridors-of-the-mind-49051/ Bushak, L. (2013, October 29). Put This Headset On To Sharpen Your Focus: ‘Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation’ May Boost Cognitive Function And Brighten Your Mood.

Learning Styles Spring 2014 Salome Daly Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://www.medicaldaily.com/put-headset-sharpenyour-focus-transcranial-direct-current-stimulation-may-boost-cognitive-function Collaborative for High Performance Schools (n.d.). What is a High Performance School? | CHPS.net. Retrieved March 13, 2014, from http://www.chps.net/dev/Drupal/node/166 Complacency is not a 21st century skill (2014, January 1). Complacency is not a 21st century skill | academic amplitude. Retrieved February 8, 2014, from http://academamp.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/complacency-is-not-a-21st-century-skill/ Defence Academy of the United Kingdom (n.d.). Adapting Your Learning Styles.

Retrieved March 12, 2014, from https://online.dacmtacquisition.org.uk/SelfDevelopment/AdaptingYourLearningStyles/tabid/159/Default.asp x Empire State College (n.d.). M.A. in Learning and Emerging Technologies | School for Graduate Studies | SUNY Empire State College. Retrieved March 13, 2014, from http://www.esc.edu/graduate-studies/academic-programs/ma-learning-emergingtechnologies/ Faruque, S. (2012, July 26). 10 alternatives to Moodle for e-Learning software, LMS Platform using open source/GPL | Open Source Open Standard. Retrieved March 12, 2014, from http://tektab.com/2012/06/26/10-alternatives-to-moodle-for-e-learningsoftware-lms-platform-using-open-sourcegpl/ Felder, R. M. (1996, December). Matters of Style. Retrieved March 8, 2014, from http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/LS-Prism.htm Foradian (2013). How Google Glass is going to Innovate Education | Foradian.

Retrieved March 13, 2014, from http://foradian.com/post/49920105096/googleglass

Learning Styles Spring 2014 Salome Daly Kang, H. (2011, March 26). HCMA Vancouver Offices / HCMA | ArchDaily.

Retrieved March 13, 2014, from http://www.archdaily.com/121004/hcma-vancouveroffices-hcma/ Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations Office of Adviser to the Prime Minister, India. (n.d.). Nurturing Innovation Through Education. Retrieved March 13, 2014, from http://www.iii.gov.in/images/stories/reportpeople/Nurturing_Innovation_Through_Educ ation_cp3.pdf Resmovits, J. (2013, January 3). U.S. Test Scores Remain Stagnant While Other Countries See Rapid Rise. Retrieved March 10, 2014, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/03/us-test-scores_n_4374075.html Schaffhauser, D. (2013, May 13). Study Ranks Accessibility of Top Learning Management Systems -- Campus Technology. Retrieved March 13, 2014, from http://campustechnology.com/articles/2013/05/13/study-ranks-accessibility-of-toplearning-management-systems.aspx Wikipedia (n.d.). Google Glass - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Glass Williams, C. S. (2012, May 29). Urgency and Complacency in Public Schooling Transforming Learning - Education Week. Retrieved March 13, 2014, from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/transforming_learning/2012/05/urgency_and_complace ncy_in_public_schooling.html