LEARNING STYLE TIPS FROM OASIS

This information is copied directly from the OASIS website learning style results: Your learning style profile provides information that indicates areas of probable strengths and possible tendencies or habits that might lead to difficulty in academic settings. The profile does not reflect your suitability for participation in classes over the Internet.  It does, however, suggest strategies for success in online learning. I recommend that you make a hard copy of this page. On your hard copy, circle your Learning Style characteristics and the bullets that will be particularly useful for you.  

 

Active Learning Tips
  • Visit a "meet the class page" or collect email address of classmates to aid in developing study sessions, because you like to learn by discussing and working in groups
  • Get your classmate's AIM, Pager, or MSN Messenger names so you can discuss assignments or form study groups
  • Consider taking the class with a friend.
  • Share the knowledge!  Tell someone what you learned in class because by explaining you will remember the material better.
  • One thing an active learner may miss is the nonverbal communication.  Try using emoticons to convey the missing body language.
  • While Internet classes are active in nature, they do have a lag time.  If you send out an email or respond to a threaded discussion be prepared for a delay in a response or feedback
 Reflective Learning Tips
  • The online environment is great for you!  The independent work times give you ample time to think about your answers because you learn best when you have time to reflect.
  • Make and meet deadlines for your class work.
  • Make sure that you contribute to class discussions because you have valuable information, and it is also one way the instructor and peers know you are participating.
  • If given a choice on how to contact your classmates or instructors, you would prefer email over a chat room.
Sensing Learning Tips
  • Relate class material to real life situations.
  • Use the discussion forums to ask your instructor and classmates for examples.
  • When you are studying, dig deeper. Reflect on the material by asking questions like why and how.
  • Read the orientation materials carefully, so you will know what to expect for the course.
  • Don't get discouraged when the technology gives you trouble.  Use tech support or revisit a tutorial.
  • When step by step instructions are given, print them out for reference.
 Intuitive Learning
  • You will enjoy online learning because you like learning new and abstract concepts.
  • Take time to read the orientation materials carefully.
  • Read carefully for details. The online material is your primary way of getting information.
  • Dig Deeper! Visit the links section to find out more about the subject.
  • Try composing text in a word processor and printing your responses to slow down and avoid accidentally submitting your answer too soon.
  • Make sure you proof read your work.
Visual Learning Tips
  • The online learning environment is visually friendly. The online class is generally filled with graphical information.  Take time to notice and learn from the visual information.
  • When you encounter large blocks of text, you will want to print it out. A hard copy will give you the chance to highlight, circle or color code the text.
  • Try changing the browser colors to make the text easier to read.
  • Try selecting the material to aid you screen reading. The light on dark may be more visually appealing to you.
  • When taking notes on class material, try making a concept map or drawing a picture of the information. Take a look at software like "Inspiration" for creating visually appealing scores.
  • Keep 3 x 5 cards and a pen close to the computer, so you can jot down the concepts for later review.
 Verbal Learning Tips
  • Look for classes with audio or multimedia components.  When an audio is used in class, listen to it several times.
  • When reading course materials, read aloud if possible or move your lips in order to both see and hear materials.
  • Try using Yahoo pager or AIM with the voice features to communicate the other classmates and instructor.
  • Keep a tape recorder by your computer to record your thoughts.  Listen to the tapes to review.
  • Share the knowledge! Tell someone what your learned in class.
Sequential Learning Tips
  • Print out detailed instructions.
  • If given a choice on how to contact your classmates or instructor, you would prefer email over chat rooms.
  • Don't get discouraged when the technology gives you trouble. Use tech support or revisit a tutorial.
  • Make an outline of the lesson materials.
  • Relate you new knowledge to past experiences and knowledge.

 

 Global Learning Tips
  • Learn by exploring! Gather information by visiting tutorials and links.
  • Scroll through a page to get an overview before you dive into the content.
  • Plan large clocks of undisturbed time at your computer.
  • You may want to lurk a little before you post to a threaded discussion. Seeing how other respond will allow you more time to contemplate your thoughts.
  • Keep thinking. Don't get discouraged, keep searching the course materials until you figure out the new principles.