Ignatia,
That is a brilliant idea..why isn't there a standard profiling for a student's 'learning type'. Im sure such a device would surface many students who have struggled with dyslexia or other learning impediments, such as my son did for some time, before the problem was identified appropriately, whereupon I was able to address his educational needs differently, reducing his stress and anxiety around learning per se.
Whilst computers aren't going to suit all students, just because they are comfortable with other communication devices such as mobile phones with extended capabilities will mean that learning will be adapted to be delivered in 'byte sizes' to enable another kind of educational consumption.
I recently attended an event at Reuters London where a high profile audience deriving from all large institutions and organisations were investigating how to construct such learning and where it is applicable to support standard learning environments and requirements.
Here Steve Besley of General Manager of Education Policy at http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/ln06016.htm starts to unravel some of the principles that we need to fully comprehend in addressing learning online.
Think piece 3 offers a fascinating insight into how Human – Computer Interaction (HCI) is changing. The familiar rows of desktop boxes and screens are going and being replaced by a more sophisticated relationship between human and computer, with the user not having to sit in front and the computer increasingly able to react to the needs and even the touch, smell and mood of the user.
'Five trends are detected. The first is ‘usability,’ focusing on what the user needs rather than trying to load more on the computer, a shift from a ‘one size fits all’ design to the ‘ubicomp’ or ubiquitous computer. Secondly, ‘multi modal interaction,’ interaction with computers that’s based on human senses, moods and voice tones, great for when you’ve had a bad day. Thirdly, ‘implicit v explicit interaction,’ moving from the traditional explicit form of interaction of having to sit down in front of a screen to more implicit and less fixed forms of interaction. Fourthly, ‘adaptive and perceptual interface,’ using pressure pads and sensors that respond to the emotional state of the user, which may help to explain some e mails. And fifth, ‘credibility,’ learning how to tell if the computer is telling the truth; no more computer says no perhaps. '
Equally, Becta have done quite a good job at assembling ways to address the student's barriers to learning online by enabling teachers to build confidence with particular skillsets.