Are Online Learning Programs Right for You?

What Senses Do You Rely on to Learn?

Learning styles also influence how and where we learn best. We take in information directly through our eyes, ears, muscles, and nerve endings. Each of us prefers to receive information using one of these senses. We may have a secondary mode we prefer, but one is usually dominant in each of us. And it doesn't change much over time.

Similar to motivation styles, people with some learning styles are more suited for online learning. Most elearning programs include pictures and graphs (best for visual learners) and almost all include words and audio clips (preferred by traditional auditory learners). It would seem this meets the needs of at least two learning styles. Not true.

Although some auditory learners take in information best by hearing it (hearing either another voice or their own in their mind's ear when they read) a less-recognized type of auditory learner needs to articulate his or her thoughts aloud. Most elearning programs rarely help this type of learner.

Today, most online programs offer even less for tactile learners (those who learn through their nerve endings) or kinesthetic learners (those who learn with their muscles). Sitting at a computer usually engages only the fingers and occasionally an arm. To reach users with these learning styles, elearning programs must include as many physical activities as possible. Otherwise they risk losing learners mid-stream.

What Can You Do Now?

If you are interested in learning more online, take the time to understand the different ways you take in information and why you seek to learn. Motivation styles and learning styles are a key component to finding your best path.

Ask yourself if the medium you're using suits your style and if not, what you might do to supplement the program. If you're socially motivated, for instance, consider doing the work with a group of people, be it neighbors, coworkers, family members or friends.

Watch for new programs that employ both engaging technology and sound educational architecture. Personally, I'm intrigued by the promise of educational content being delivered over mobile handsets because you can literally learn as you go.

Supplement any elearning program with additional resources including articles you find through search engines, books on your teammates' shelves, and ad-hoc conversation with colleagues over lunch.

Finally, don't discount the learning you do online each day without the aid of any program. Reflect on what worked and what you learned... and then consider how you might be able to employ that same method to learn something else.

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