An Analysis of the Relationship Between Learning Style Perceptual Preferences and Attitudes Toward Computer-Assisted Instruction

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the perceptual learning style preferences of nursing students and to examine the relationship, if any, among students whose learning style perceptual preferences were identified as being auditory, tactile or visual and their attitudes toward the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in the areas of comfort, creativity and function.The relationships between nursing students' perceptual learning style preferences and the following were also examined: (a) the amount of time they spent using the computer program, Car- The data were collected using the Productivity Environmental Preference Survey developed by Price, Dunn and Dunn (1986) and Allen's (1986) Attitude Toward CAI Semantic Differential Scale. The study was conducted at a baccalaureate school of nursing in a health sciences university.The sample for the study was sophomore nursing students who were taking a nursing course in patient assessment. whether students felt the use of the computer prograin added to their knowledge and whether they wanted more CAI added to the nursing curriculum.Qualitative data were also gathered by asking students about their experience using the computer program, CardiacExam Bingo. Comments about the use of computers in education indicated that students found the computer to be a useful study tool. Students did express concern that the use of CAI would add to students' work loads; therefore, they recommended that it be available to students but not required. Affective comments also provided further evidence that students had positive attitudes toward the computer program used for this study. -To Judy Edwards Allen, who introduced me to computer-assisted instruction, and planted the seed for this investigation.-To Barbara Gaines who carefully reviewed this dissertation many times and willingly critiqued the application to nursing.-To Len Campbell, Michael Gaines and Hal Jorgensen for their conscientious critiques of the drafts of this study and for their support as I moved toward its completion.-To the sophomore students who willingly participated in this project during their busy spring quarter.

Perceptual Learning Style Matching and L2 Vocabulary Acquisition

“…Other findings have differed from those of the current study to a greater extent. McFarland (1989) and Ingham (1989), using Dunn, Dunn, and Price's Productivity Environmental Preference Survey (1986), reported a prevalence of auditory learners among college nursing students and adult professionals, respectively, although a large percentage of participants in both studies had no clear perceptual style preference. Garrett (1992) found a slight preference for tactile/kinesthetic instruction over both auditory and visual instruction among high school students, whereas Martini (1985), using the same instrument (Learning Style Inventory; see Dunn et al, 1985) found that the vast majority of her seventh‐grade participants did not have any clear perceptual style preference.…”