As little is really known regarding how interactive learning takes place online and what the course design preferences of adult learners are, I conducted an online survey in 2005 to try and find this out.
Survey
The survey asked many questions about preferences for content delivery and learning activities.
Sample
The participants of this survey were 205 adult learners at an Academic institution in the UK. The sample included both full-time and part-time students who were taking a range of Higher Education courses. The courses varied in the amount of online materials and delivery use:
- simply using technology to support a traditional face-to-face course,
- integrating technology into a traditional course (hybrid/blended) and
- delivered completely online through Blackboard and WebCT learning platforms.
The sample was represented by a mix of females (90%) and males (10%) across an age range of 16 to 64 years.
Results
Here I will present the data to two of the questions related to learning content preferences. (I will present and discuss other findings in future posts.)
Question 1
When learning new information, which way do you like to learn it best? (Select up to 3)
- 71% – Acquiring information by reading, listening to a lecture, watching a video
- 67% – Sharing and discussing ideas and perspectives with others
- 52% – Producing something such as a written essay or assignment; doing a presentation or talk; building something e.g. learning object, model or simulation
- 52% – Investigating and exploring resources, such as websites, multi-media CDs & DVDs
- 38% – Experimenting, practicing, working through exercises and problems, and learning through trial and error
Question 2
In the context of learning your current subject, which do you prefer? (Select all that apply)
- 72% – Reading text-based materials
- 66% – Do a task or hands on activity
- 46% – Talk to friends
- 44% – Listen to a lecture, audiotape or CD
- 37% – Watch TV or DVD (e.g. documentary)
Implications
To me, the results reveal that:
- There are differing needs for receiving information through content presentation and learning activities
- The online learners who responded to the survey have a wide range of different preferences for how they like to learn and receive information in online environment
- It is important to provide a variety of learning materials, methods, and activities within an online learning environment.
Applications
Consequently, what I like to do when designing learning for online environments is to provide learners with variety and choice. I tend to include most, if not all, of the learning activities listed below because each course is different and attracts a different group of people. I also tend to deliver them in an online unit or module in the order indicated:
- Acquiring information by reading, listening to a lecture, watching a video
- Experimenting, practicing, working through exercises and problems, and learning through trial and error
- Investigating and exploring resources, such as websites, multi-media CD’s & DVD’s
- Sharing and discussing ideas and perspectives with others
- Producing something such as a written essay or assignment; doing a presentation or talk; building something e.g. a learning object, model or simulation
The only way to know for sure the preferences that your learners have is to test them and see which ones they choose.
This article was first published on my old site: interactivelearningideas.com in 2010.