The Role of Learning Styles in the Acceptance of Web-based Learning Tools

Web-based learning tools have been widely adopted by tertiary educational institutions. As a consequence, much research has been devoted to examining factors that influence the level of acceptance of these tools amongst learners. Fewer studies have investigated antecedents of these factors. In this paper it is posited that learning styles are an important antecedent that will indirectly affect acceptance through factors having a direct impact. A web-based quiz tool was the specific focus of attention, as in many institutions these tools are used for assessment without understanding how individual learner attributes affect their acceptance and use. Data was collected from a cohort of students studying a first year course in Information Systems. A key finding was that a strong relationship exists between learning styles and self-efficacy a factor that in turn influenced the level of acceptance. The implications of this and other findings are discussed further in the paper.

[1]  Ken Morse,et al.  DOES ONE SIZE FIT ALL? EXPLORING ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING IN A MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT , 2019, Online Learning.

[2]  Rosemarie Rizzo Parse,et al.  Does One Size Fit All? , 2015, Nursing science quarterly.

[3]  Xianggui Qu,et al.  Multivariate Data Analysis , 2007, Technometrics.

[4]  E GrandonElizabeth,et al.  Factors influencing student intention to adopt online classes , 2005 .

[5]  L. Michele Miller,et al.  Using learning styles to evaluate computer-based instruction , 2005, Comput. Hum. Behav..

[6]  Janet Wesson,et al.  Exploring issues for information architecture of web-based learning in South Africa , 2005, South Afr. Comput. J..

[7]  Lisa Seymour,et al.  Factors Affecting Usage of Web Based Learning Tools , 2005 .

[8]  Linda Price,et al.  Individual Differences in Learning: Cognitive control, cognitive style, and learning style , 2004 .

[9]  Brian Dorn,et al.  A statistical analysis of student performance in online computer science courses , 2004, SIGCSE '04.

[10]  Irwin Brown.  The Role of Cognitive Instrumental Processes, Social Influence Processes and Perceived Behavioural Control in the Acceptance of the Internet as a Learning Tool , 2003 .

[11]  Paul Jen-Hwa Hu,et al.  Examining a Model of Information Technology Acceptance by Individual Professionals: An Exploratory Study , 2002, J. Manag. Inf. Syst..

[12]  Magid Igbaria,et al.  IT acceptance in a less-developed country: a motivational factor perspective , 2002, Int. J. Inf. Manag..

[13]  U. Felix.  Students as informants for Web-based learning design , 2001 .

[14]  Edward Desmarais,et al.  Pedagogy and ERP: Designing Instructional Methods for Different Learning Styles , 2001 .

[15]  Viswanath Venkatesh,et al.  Determinants of Perceived Ease of Use: Integrating Control, Intrinsic Motivation, and Emotion into the Technology Acceptance Model , 2000, Inf. Syst. Res..

[16]  Margaret Tan,et al.  Factors Influencing the Adoption of Internet Banking , 2000, J. Assoc. Inf. Syst..

[17]  Jerry West,et al.  America's Kindergartners: Findings from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998-99, Fall 1998. , 2000 .

[18]  James A. Powell.  Action Learning for Continuous Improvement and Enhanced Innovation in Construction , 1999 .

[19]  K. Swisher.  American Indian Learning Styles Survey: An Assessment of Teacher Knowledge. , 1994 .

[20]  R. Felder.  Reaching the Second Tier--Learning and Teaching Styles in College Science Education. , 1993 .

[21]  Fred D. Davis.  Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology , 1989, MIS Q..

[22]  R. Felder,et al.  Learning and Teaching Styles in Engineering Education. , 1988 .

[23]  D. Kolb.  Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development , 1983 .

[24]  L. Curry.  An Organization of Learning Styles Theory and Constructs. , 1983 .

[25]  Charlotte N. Gunawardena,et al.  Understanding and supporting the culturally diverse distance learner , 2022 .