People learn through different "channels," such as visual or auditory ones. Most people benefit from getting new information in combined media; for example, in written words plus additional audio explanations by instructors. Our online classes address different learning styles by presenting new topics in written form (units), through video for visual learners, and in audio material for auditory learners. Tactile learners have an advantage because the computer medium employs all the senses.

Learning Style Inventory

Find out what your preferred learning style is by taking an inventory quiz at http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/learningstyles/ilsweb.html.

Since we believe that a combination of different learning media—reading, video, and audio material—contribute to perceiving and memorizing new knowledge, we recommend that you review and follow tips for all three presented learning styles.

Tips for Visual Learners

• Use color coding in reading material. To store new information in your memory, it helps to highlight important keywords or passages.
  
• Take written notes. As a visual learner, it aids your learning to write down summaries of important concepts and ideas.
  
• Take advantage of flashcards. You can easily place one idea on one card to help you study. Besides, flashcards come in handy when you want to learn in different places, for example, when you are in a waiting room at a doctor's office.
  
• Connect ideas with pictures. When you acquire new knowledge through visual perception, you probably most easily store information in pictures. Take the time to connect new concepts with pictures. For example, if you are learning about architecture, visualize examples of different styles with particular buildings that are covered in your class.
  
• Get additional TV or video material. Today, there are so many options for finding additional reports on your subject area on TV or videos. Libraries often carry a lot of additional course material. Note that the UNCG Teaching and Learning Resource Center has a video rental library (free of charge!)

Tips for Auditory Learners

• Record your notes. To store new information in your memory, it helps to tape record your summaries of readings, units, textbooks, and articles.
  
• Listen to your taped notes. Use your car rides to listen to the notes you recorded on tape.
  
• Explain class topics to family or friends. If you have family members or friends that you can talk to about your class learning, explain concepts and initiate discussions with them. Otherwise, you can always express your ideas aloud to yourself. Even if you are in public places, you still can listen to your voice in your head.
  
• Get additional commercial tape recordings. For many topics, you can find tape or CD recordings in stores or at libraries. Of course, TV reports or video in your area are an option, too.

Tips for Tactile Learners

• Collect experiences in the field. Many subjects can be explored or enhanced through hands-on exhibits in the field. For example, if you learn about history, visit a museum that offers exhibitions on your topic.
  
• Use computer programs to take notes. Today, there are various computer programs, such as Power Point, that you could use to summarize your learning material. With these programs you can represent your topics in various formats and "play" with different images.
  
• Take flash cards or audio tapes on walks or listen to tapes while exercising at the gym.

Reference: http://users.silcon.com/%7Escmiller/lsweb/fourls.htm

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