Individual Differences in Learning with Hypermedia: Effects of Students’ Cognitive Styles, Computer Competency Levels, and Prior Knowledge Levels on Learning Strategies

Abstract

This study examines the effects of cognitive styles, computer competency levels, and prior domain knowledge levels on students’ learning strategies in an instructional hypermedia program. Sixteen students were selected out of 111 students from a Web-enhanced course, based on their cognitive style, computer competency, and prior domain knowledge test scores. In order to reveal students’ learning strategies, interviews and observations were conducted. Results indicated that cognitive styles may be important in terms of study management strategies of the students, and computer competency and prior knowledge levels may affect the patterns of using the hypermedia program.

Keywords

• individual differences
• cognitive styles
• learning with hypermedia.

Individual Differences in Learning with Hypermedia: Effects of Students’ Cognitive Styles, Computer Competency Levels, and Prior Knowledge Levels on Learning Strategies

Abstract

Hipermedya İle Öğrenmede Kişisel Farklılıklar: Bilişsel Stillerin, Bilgisayar Kullanım Yeterliği ve Ön Alan Bilgisi Düzeylerinin Öğrenme Stratejileri Üzerine Etkisi - Bu çalışma, öğrencilerin, bilişsel stilleri, bilgisayar kullanımı yeterlik düzeyleri ve ön alan bilgilerinin eğitim amaçlı bir hipermedya programındaki öğrenme stratejileri üzerindeki etkilerini incelemektedir. Bu amaçla, Web destekli bir öğrenme ortamındaki 111 öğrenciden 16’sı bilişsel stilleri, bilgisayar kullanımı yeterlik düzeyleri ve ön alan bilgleri baz alınarak seçilmiştir. Öğrencilerin öğrenme stratejilerini ortaya çıkarmak amacıyla yüzyüze görüşme ve gözlem metodları kullanılmıştır. Bulgular, bilişsel stillerin çalışma yönetimi açısından önemli olabileceğini ve bilgisayar kullanımı yeterlik düzeyi ve ön alan bilgisi faktörlerinin de hipermedya programı kullanma örüntülerini etkileyebileceğini göstermiştir. 

Keywords

• bireysel farklılıklar
• bilişsel stiller
• hipermedya ile öğrenme.

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