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Educational Technology Research and Development

, Volume 67, Issue 1, pp 161–177 | Cite as

Use of Felder and Silverman learning style model for online course design

  • Moushir M. El-Bishouty
  • Ahmed Aldraiweesh
  • Uthman AlturkiEmail author
  • Richard Tortorella
  • Junfeng Yang
  • Ting-Wen Chang
  • Sabine Graf
  • Kinshuk
Development Article
First Online:

Abstract

Learning Management Systems are used in millions of higher education courses, across various countries and disciplines. Teachers build courses reflecting their individual teaching methods, which may not always fit students’ different learning styles. However, limited information is known about how well these courses support the learners. The study aims to explore the use of Felder and Silverman learning style for online course design. The study has used linear transfer function system models to develop fundamentals of feedback by a course analyzer tool. This interactive tool allows teachers to determine a course’s support level for specific learning styles, based on the Felder and Silverman learning style model. The Felder and Silverman learning style model in this study is used to visualize the fit between course and learning style to help teachers improve their course’s support for diverse learning styles. The results of a pilot study successfully validated the course analyzer tool, as it has potential to improve the design of the course in future and allow more insight into overall student performance. The findings suggest that a course designed with certain learning styles in mind can improve learning of the students with those specific learning styles.

Keywords

Course analysis Course design Learning management system Learning style Online education 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific search at King Saud University for its funding this Research group No. RG #‐1436‐033.

Funding

This research is not funded by any resource.

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest

The research has no conflict of interest.

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Copyright information

© Association for Educational Communications and Technology 2018

Authors and Affiliations

  • Moushir M. El-Bishouty
    • 1
    • 7
  • Ahmed Aldraiweesh
    • 2
  • Uthman Alturki
    • 2
    Email author
  • Richard Tortorella
    • 3
  • Junfeng Yang
    • 4
  • Ting-Wen Chang
    • 5
  • Sabine Graf
    • 1
  • Kinshuk
    • 6
  1. 1.Athabasca UniversityAthabascaCanada
  2. 2.King Saud UniversityRiyadhSaudi Arabia
  3. 3.University of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
  4. 4.Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
  5. 5.Beijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
  6. 6.University of North TexasDentonUSA
  7. 7.City for Scientific Research & Technological ApplicationsAlexandriaEgypt

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