The debate waxes and wanes on distance education lists such as DEOS as to whether individual learning styles or learning preferences have any effect on outcomes. This study, although not conclusive, leads us toward believing that they do. Certainly, learners' preferences are expressed in their selection of activity and duration of stay. "Adults are more likely to select Interactive Reference or Simulation whereas children prefer Creative Play and Role-playing Stories. The adult sites yield more straightforward cognitive information while the sites preferred by children allow more personal choice and interaction. Apparently, adults bring an intrinsic motivation to the learning experience. They know what they want to learn and they want to learn it in the most direct way. Children, on the other hand, need to be motivated. They respond positively to the opportunity for interaction and choice within a goal-based environment that offers them an extrinsic purpose."
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