The Future of Education

This article shows some results of a PhD research that tries to find a solution based on learning styles and adapted to e-learning programs, using virtual environments and the possibilities of their adaptation to individual learning capacities. This software solution shall be applied in e-learning virtual environments, turning them able to publish contents adapted to individual ways of building knowledge. This solution will be incorporated to Moodle for the use of teachers as well as other professionals. This paper will present two steps of the system’s development. The first step consists on the solution that is able to identify the user’s learning style. This function is incorporated to the student’s profile on Moodle and is based on three learning style theories: Felder and Soloman (1988), Alonso and Gallego (2002), and Kolb (1984). The system was adapted to three theories and a later analysis of results. The second step consists in presenting the model chosen to develop storyboards, in order to adapt the contents to the different forms of building knowledge, based on a selected theory. It also presents the case study where the solution will be applied, describing the adopted institution, the teaching mode and the course which is being structured. All the steps focus on answering the question that guides the research: How do learning styles may turn the learning process more effective when associated to virtual environments used on distance education? To help answering this question, a large bibliographical research was developed, as well as further investigation into searching for studies and experiences that focus on the use of learning styles in distance programs. It is expected that this research brings results which may help to create stimulating learning environments that upgrade the student’s performance and help the development of distance courses.