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Personal learning style: I do enjoy a diverse range of learning strategies but probably prefer a discussion based activity and have also feel the need to take notes from class, from readings etc. I prefer a content-based class over  a simulation but when given a practical task I can become quite task focussed and object to frequent interruptions by the educator.

“Learning styles refers to the belief that each adult has a preferred way of learning and that adults engage more productively with the learning activity when their style is taken into account.”

Learning Styles Charlene Carpenter, TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute | July 2005

http://www.icvet.tafensw.edu.au/resources/learning_styles.htm

For further reading:

“Are learning styles all they’re cracked up to be?”

http://www.icvet.tafensw.edu.au/ezine/year_2005/july_august/review_learningstyles_macklin.htm

Influence on e-learning: Few people can be compartmentalised into one distinct learning style. E-learning presented in combination with a range of support and initial training can meet the needs of a diverse range of learning styles. The more a learner explores and challenges themselves to move into the uncomfortable area of change, accompanied with practice the more e-learning can be used to meet a range of learning styles. Is this then change for change sake? In a country where most houses have a computer and access to the internet and most people own a mobile phone – change is here! It is not about transferring a teaching technique to meet a particular learning style directly to technology but looking for how technology can meet the learning style. Learning styles can change with exploration, practice and the skills of the educator.

For further reading:

Lead Balloons, Stone Canoes, and Learning Styles by Frank L. Greenagel

http://www.learningcircuits.org/2003/sep2003/greenagel.htm

On completion of the Vark Learning Style Questionnaire I a have a mild read/write preference, which I think closely fits my personal view.

Results:

Visual 3

Aural 10

Read/write 14

Kinesthetics 5

www.vark-learn.com

Preferred learning style & blogging, learning & short course selection

In terms of layout of my blog, I guess I was presented with a small range of options to choose from. I am happy with this layout but perhaps it is because it is the first one I’ve really used for any length of time. So whether my preferred learning style is reflected in the layout of my blog is perhaps unlikely. It may be more reflected in my writing style, clearly blogging lends itself to writer/readers but with the addition of audio files, photos, videos etc it can probably cater to my preferred style of having a range of options.

My kinesthetics result was low on the Vark but I have certainly learnt by doing with this blog! I suspect it will also influence my choice of short course as I am keen to learn about more e-gadgets e.g. podcasts for MP3s etc. I don’t want to just read about how to do it, I want to fo it as I go. If the truth be known I probably will want to race ahead a do it before finishing the course – you know only read the instructions as a last resort!