). For lifelong learning to become 'a reality for all' the Lisbon Strategy (European Commission, 2005) states everyone should have equal and open access to high quality learning opportunities throughout their lives (Reding, 2003). The Lisbon Strategy also emphasises that learning opportunities should be provided in a variety of ways to suit individual needs and this in part has shaped our research. 'Searching for the middle way' is driven by a desire to understand the lifelong learner in the context of styles of learning and the emerging implications of technology enhanced learning for digital equity . We begin with the view that learning is a cognitive process that is intrinsic to the learner in both formal and informal settings (Courtney, 1979). A traditional perspective on learning and education is explained by Merriam & Brockett (1997) who state:"learning can occur both incidentally and in planned educational activities, while, it is only the planned activities we call education."Our research adopts a contemporary lifelong learning perspective of education in both formal and informal settings and our understanding of 'equality for all' is shaped by a critical multicultural perspective (Delpit, 1995;Bennett, 1999;& Gay, 2000) that supports a commitment to learning about peoples' differences. The lifelong learning viewpoint has become an increasingly important perspective through the unprecedented growth of the Web and more recently Web 2.0 and participative social networks. The learning environment, physical and virtual space, is a characterising feature of learning along with the cognitive learning style. The move towards a more holistic use of the term lifelong learning embraces both formal and informal learning and in part is central to the renewed interest in learning styles. Recognizing cognitive learning styles is the first step educators need to take in order to be most effective in working with students of diversity and bridging across formal and informal settings (Tomes, 2008). According to Messick (1976) cognitive style is the inclination people have in processing information in a particular way. This way of processing comes from the individual learners' experiences and develops incrementally over time, and as such it is not easily changed or modified. According to Dunn et. al. (1981) cognitive style cannot be truly assessed or understood outside of the environment to which the learner finds themselves. As such this highlights the importance of research that takes into account not only the environment learners are in but also the social elements of culturally diverse learners and their respective experiences (Gay, 2000; and Neito, 2000). This is supported by Whetton & Cameron (2005) who see the identification and use of cognitive styles as a way for learners to improve their relationships with others as well as developing critical self-awareness. Cognitive style cannot be viewed in isolation, even though cognitive style can be seen as an individual's preferred or usual way of processing and orga...
Purpose -The elearn2work study of learning styles in the context of small to micro firms' (SMFs) and their perceived satisfaction has identified some important finding specific to e-learning content design, delivery and international standards development. Design/methodology/approach -The method of research adopts a deductive rather than an inductive approach via descriptive profiling and multivariate statistical analysis. Findings -From the elearn2work study we have identified tentative findings that indicate e-learning inequity for many SMF learners including employees and managers. From our research there is a clear gap between the profile of SMF learners, in the context of their learning style, and the typical content that is currently being designed for e-learning provision. The sector is driven by analytic type educators/trainers who are frequently not a reflection of SMF learners. Originality/value -It could be argued that many SMF workers are currently being socially excluded from e-learning provision through pedagogy inequity when considering the lack of learning styles support in work-based learning practice.
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