Relations between online learning and learning styles

In recent years, research works that aim to designate online learning environment based upon learning styles increase substantially. In our research work; we evaluated researches are concerned with both online learning environment and learning styles together in the last decade. We investigated research works are accessible on Internet and evaluated research works are carried out according to the years, countries, and education levels, preferred learning style models, online learning environments and commonly used research methods. In almost all of the research works are done; mostly cognitive learning style models have been used. However, there are two basic research approaches are conspicuous in the research works that are examined by us. According to first of this research approaches, some researchers have investigated that presentation of learning content and learning tools are designated based upon learning styles in the online learning environments is a factor which impacts academic achievements of the learner. In the other research approach, researchers have used learning styles as a supportive factor to design the online learning environments for personalized online learning. In our research, examples both of these research approaches have been examined. As a result, it is saw that, improving of the academic achievements in online learning not only learning styles by itself are utilized on online learning and also motivation of the learner, demographics factors, teaching strategies and teaching methods should be considered. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved