Exploring the Difference Between 'Concrete' and 'Abstract': Learning Styles in LIS Distance Education

摘要

This article discusses the results of a study concerning the interactive effects of learning style and computer competency on student satisfaction in library and information science (LIS) distance learning courses. "Concrete" and "abstract" learners react differently to online courses given different technology backgrounds. This study finds a statistically significant relationship between student satisfaction with Web-based courses, the grouping differences of learning style preferences (converging, diverging, assimilating, accommodating), and computer competency (high level and low level). The study concludes that, when students differ with regard to computer competency, there is a difference among learning styles with respect to student satisfaction level.