Web-Based Learning: The Impact of Cognitive Styles on Learning Environment Development

摘要

This paper looks at the use of cognitive styles to help support Web-Based Learning. This is attempted in two ways. The first is by involving the students more comprehensively in the design process by discussing the results of their cognitive styles test. The second is by using those results to inform the design and construction of individual learning environments(ILE). 64 students undertaking a unit in Human Computer Interaction were involved in the study. A range of measures were used to capture the participants response to their cognitive styles. These included: reflective journals; a survey; ILE development documentation; the individual learning environment itself; interviews. The details of the task of constructing the ILE are presented followed by an initial cognitive style profile of the respondents. Student marks for a range of cognitive style and ILE related assessments are considered and expanded upon by the inclusion of related comments on the design and development process by individual students. Student comments on the approach and results are discussed and conclusions are drawn on the relevance of the various elements to the design of individual learning environments.