Engaging Online Kinesthetic Learners In Active Learning
This article will examine instructional strategies to engage the kinesthetic learner to implement active learning in the online learning environment. Online learning tends to provide lectures to listen to and reading assignments, providing little opportunity to actively apply course content. With today's computermediated learning environment, further discussion on what educational practices are required in order to develop active learning skills in an online class setting is needed. A high percentage of learners have a kinesthetic preference. Preliminary research has revealed that of the learning style preference categories, kinesthetic learners may be the least engaged in the online learning environment. The replication of real life experience engages the kinesthetic learner and promotes active learning in the online environment. Taking into account the various learning style preferences of students and providing opportunities for self directed and collaborative learning, educators can facilitate rigorous online knowledge exchange geared to achieving identifiable learning outcomes and active learning engagement. The following active learning strategies will be discussed: reality based scenarios, case studies, inquiry based dialogue, gaming and role play. Providing such 'hands on' activities, combined with personal experience provides an environment that allows students to experience high interaction and experimentation with the course materials.