Learning Styles

Everyone has different learning styles, some prefer a visual approach and others are more logical. To see what you learning style is, check out this website to to take an online quiz to determine your preferred learning style.

So I took the test and here are the results.

By looking at the data, my learning style is positioned more towards the visual and creative side. I prefer to to practical rather than theory as I am more into creative media such as videography and photography. The downside to this, is that with theory based assignments such as reports and essay, I tend to not do as well as practical assignments. I much prefer to get out and film and edit footage, rather than write up a 3000 word essay. I rather leaning visually than verbally with graphics and charts as it is easier to remember and I can always refer back to the information.

Because everyone is different, teachers need to cater for everyone's learning styles, where other students may excel in theory based assignments but not as well in practical work. There has to be a balance between each area, so students can do well in their positioned area, and also develop their skills that they are not as good in. Some students may also be better at listening, where others will find graphics and charts easier to understand. Teachers have to structure their courses to accommodate all learning styles, so that every student can obtain better results.

Get Blogging!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/daviderickson/ | CC BY-NC 2.0

Yes blogs, they allow people to express their views, converse topics or even discuss e-learning in the 21st century! Blogs have been around for ages, but only now have I created one for course I am currently doing (Managing e-learning). Blogs give you a feeling of ownership and community by posting your own views to an audience who will listen and also reflect on you work, giving you feedback and comments.

Blogs are also very useful in the classroom, as students and teachers can comment on assignments they are working on, as well as collaborate together to form ideas on certain topics. They can also be utilised to keep students on track, by posting updates on what area they should be working on each week. Blogs can also be used for linking to other resources that will help students in their coursework and many other uses. The possibilities of blogs are endless.

E-Learning in the 21st Centurary

The 21st century have proven to be another step in further expanding the already growing internet, as many value the benefits it has brought fourth. It may have seen impossible to have a conversation "face to face" from the other side of the world, but technology and the internet have made this possible with the use of webcams and software like Skype. Students are also now able to study University from the comfort of their own home, with just a computer and an internet connection. Students will also get the same support as they would if they were in a classroom, with support from students and teachers on forums, Skype and chat. There are also many other resources on the web that can be utilised from PowerPoint slides, links to websites, images and the use of video sharing sites such as Vimeo and YouTube. And of course, let's not forget blogs!