Title: Who gets 'A' grades in web-based learning environments? An evaluation of the role of learning styles

Authors: Anne Beaudry, Kevin Laframboise, Huma Saleem

Addresses: Department of Decision Sciences and MIS, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada. ' Department of Decision Sciences and MIS, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada. ' Department of Decision Sciences and MIS, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada

Abstract: This paper reports on a study that aimed at comparing the effectiveness of a web-based learning environment to the traditional classroom for introductory management information systems (MIS) class. Effectiveness here is defined as students| performance in examinations. More specifically, our study compared the performance of students enrolled in an introductory MIS course delivered either in traditional classrooms or through a web-based learning environment, while taking into consideration the students| learning style as measured by Kolb|s (1984) instrument. Results suggest that the best and worst performers in both environments have very different learning preferences and styles. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Keywords: MIS introduction; management information systems; Kolb|s LSI; learning styles; web-based learning; management education; student performance; examinations; MIS course; virtual learning; e-learning; learning style inventory.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIOME.2005.007444

International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education, 2005 Vol.1 No.1, pp.4 - 18

Published online: 21 Jul 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article