Blood from the Shoulder of Pallas: Using Learning Style as a guide when
developing learning materials for a Virtual Learning Environment
Damian Gordon
Gordon Bull
DIT e-Learning Research Group
Introduction
• Computer-Assisted Learning 2003
• “the medium is the message”
• 3rd Level Topics can sometimes be complex and dense, for example ;
• Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM)
S.S.A.D.M.
• A methodology to structure a project into small, well-defined activities and specify the sequence and interaction of these activities
S.S.A.D.M.
• A methodology to structure a project into small, well-defined activities and specify the sequence and interaction of these activities
• Uses diagrammatic and other modelling techniques to give a more precise (structured) definition is understandable by both users and developers
S.S.A.D.M.
S.S.A.D.M.
S.S.A.D.M.
• One of the few ‘open’ methods available for information systems development
• A very comprehensive ‘organisational’ method
• Developed by the British civil service
S.S.A.D.M.
S.S.A.D.M.
S.S.A.D.M.
S.S.A.D.M.
• Broken up into six stages, but because it is an ‘organisational’ methodology given the proper inputs a developer (or student) should be able to start at any stage.
How to Teach it ?
• In a theoretical fashion with worked out examples and analysing case studies
• As a series of case studies for the students
• A combination of both …
• Each approach will appeal to some students and definitely not to others (customisation?)
VLEs
• Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) provide a range of tools to address a range of student styles, the question is, which tools for which styles ???
Wants to talk through their ideas in order to clarify them.
LEARNS BY TEACHING OTHERS
Wants to talk through their ideas in order to clarify them.
LEARNS BY TEACHING OTHERS
Gathers information from numerous sources. Likes to reflect and clarify before speaking
CONCERNED WITH THEIR OWN UNDERSTANDING
Wants to talk through their ideas in order to clarify them.
LEARNS BY TEACHING OTHERS
Gathers information from numerous sources. Likes to reflect and clarify before speaking
CONCERNED WITH THEIR OWN UNDERSTANDING
Interested in the patterns and relationships between the facts, discovery learning, they try to develop new original solutions
LIKE SIMULATIONS OR EXPERIMENTS
Interested in the patterns and relationships between the facts, discovery learning, they try to develop new original solutions
LIKE SIMULATIONS OR EXPERIMENTS
Focus on facts and details. Like structured lectures, guidelines and objectives. Tend to apply standard solutions
CONCERNED WITH WHAT MUST BE KNOWN
Interested in the patterns and relationships between the facts, discovery learning, they try to develop new original solutions
LIKE SIMULATIONS OR EXPERIMENTS
Focus on facts and details. Like structured lectures, guidelines and objectives. Tend to apply standard solutions
CONCERNED WITH WHAT MUST BE KNOWN
Subjective in their decision making and consider how their decisions affect others, like small group exercises
OPEN-ENDED CONSTRUCTIVISTIC FORMATS
Subjective in their decision making and consider how their decisions affect others, like small group exercises
OPEN-ENDED CONSTRUCTIVISTIC FORMATS
Reply on analysis, logic and existing principles. Like tests to measure progress.
ANALYSE CASE STUDIES
Subjective in their decision making and consider how their decisions affect others, like small group exercises
OPEN-ENDED CONSTRUCTIVISTIC FORMATS
Reply on analysis, logic and existing principles. Like tests to measure progress.
ANALYSE CASE STUDIES
Prefer flexibility and adaptability, often postpone doing work until the very last minute
SEEK INFORMATION UNTIL THE DEADLINE (AND OFTEN BEYOND)
Prefer flexibility and adaptability, often postpone doing work until the very last minute
SEEK INFORMATION UNTIL THE DEADLINE (AND OFTEN BEYOND)
Prefer structure and organisation, appreciate any resources that can help them plan their work
DEADLINES ARE SACRED
Prefer flexibility and adaptability, often postpone doing work until the very last minute
SEEK INFORMATION UNTIL THE DEADLINE (AND OFTEN BEYOND)
Prefer structure and organisation, appreciate any resources that can help them plan their work
DEADLINES ARE SACRED
Algorithm
S.S.A.D.M.
Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom,had a companion Owl on her shoulder which revealed unseen truths to her. Her owl had the ability to light up Athena’s blind side, enabling her to speak the whole truth
The Little Owl’s claws point in an inward
direction, therefore to rest upon Athena’s shoulder, the Little
Owl must have drawn blood