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TopStatement Of The Problem
Despite the obvious advantages of online learning at the University of Lagos, there are certain challenges that cannot be overlooked. Among these challenges are the theoretical basis upon which online designs are based and the misuse of technology and culturally different learning styles in online learning environments; however, this study’s focus is on culturally different learning styles in online learning environments. To be more effective, online learning environments must carefully address appropriate support mechanisms for learners. The role of instructional support in online learning is very important. In order to design powerful learning environments, it is important to understand the characteristics of the learners, the designers’ understanding of the learners’ interpretations of instructional supports, and how environments can be created to facilitate different learning domains.
These issues were not addressed in the design of our current online systems. Online learning requires certain tasks from learners such as organizing and controlling the learning process. Considerations for individual’s differences and abilities need to be taken into consideration in technology-based products and implementation efforts. Therefore, it is very important to examine the learning styles of students (Mumford, 1997) as the findings of this study would provide significant and valuable information for students, lecturers, program planners, learning providers and for the theory of learning styles itself. In addition, the instructional design and teaching concerns must be considered.
Instructional Design and Teaching Concerns
The online instructor must be prepared to meet the needs of a large variety of students who have collectively been grouped together as “non-traditional students.” Such students are often well over the age of twenty-five, are often married and/or have dependent children. They may work full or part-time or, and conversely may be unemployed and seeking to re-enter the work force via education. Additionally, many such students may be academically or technologically unprepared and therefore may likely face any combination of the previously listed factors as well as others not listed. For such students, returning to school already presents a formidable challenge. This may only be compounded by the uniqueness of the online learning environment such as lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and other class members. For example, “learners often encounter the stimulus materials when they are sitting alone at a computer, away from easy coaching or support from an instructor” (Wilson, 2004, pp. 77-84). Other challenges may also surface. For example, a specific challenge may be when a non-traditional learner runs into a stumbling block, and has to find a way to overcome the obstacle. For instance, practitioners, in developing country like Nigeria, need to consider the appropriateness of their online environments in terms of political situations, economy, technological resources, and availability of online infrastructures.