Research about the way we learn has been around for some time but gained traction in the 1980s with the introduction of the educational model proposed by Neil Fleming. Fleming’s model described four main types of learners including the visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinesthetic learner. Each component of the model offered a glimpse into how individuals learn. The model refers to the four sensory modalities that describe different learning preferences. The model suggests that these modalities reflect how students learn best.
Those who have embraced the theory have even expanded the model to as many as eight learning styles. These types of learners encompass areas like linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligences, emphasizing a broader understanding of human capability (Marenus, 2023). The literature currently concludes that student self-reflection in turn enhances the learning experience. This falls short of suggesting the gains educational institutions would prefer but does give rise to the importance of understanding one’s strengths.
Most recently this theory of learning has come under attack because of the complexity of learning. “The human brain is complex, and neuroscientists still have plenty to discover about what an ideal learning environment looks like. Fleming’s learning styles theory requires educators to put students into one of four boxes, even though how they best learn may vary depending on the project” (Waterford, 2023). Meaning that students may utilize various learning styles depending on the topic or engage in content utilizing multiple learning styles. This also emphasizes that students need to be presented with more than one modality as opposed to always trying to learn through one single method. Ultimately, being awarded with the knowledge of learning styles is empowering not only for the educators but also the students. Educators who know and understand how students learn are more equipped to create and generate lessons that provide numerous opportunities for learning. Educators with this knowledge structure lessons and build curriculum that have multiple learning styles in mind and create experiences that allow all students to access the content in ways that suit them. Students on the other hand who have a clearer picture of their learning styles in turn have strengthened how they learn. By understanding their own learning preferences, students may more effectively advocate for their preferred learning style when being presented with the latest content or tasks. Harnessing this double-sided perspective brings rise to an education system in which the learning environment is more supportive of the student’s needs.
These results parallel what corporations and companies are trying to achieve when producing new leaders. Companies invest millions of dollars to help their employees to uncover and develop their natural talents. This is the work of the CliftonStrengths Assessment and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment. The ideas around these assessments are that if employees know and understand their strengths, blind spots, and how they might differ from others, then they can work together in a more efficient and productive manner creating a more productive and meaningful experience.
Learning Modalities of the Future
Online learning can be credited as one of the first major steps in the digital age of education. Online learning can be categorized into two main designations, synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous online learning involves real-time interaction, conducted through streaming video between the educator and students. Through these live sessions educators and students can interact, discuss, present information, and provide immediate feedback and engagement. This type of learning still promotes active participation and a sense of community but can have its difficulties. Lagging streaming audio and video, lack of instructional engagement techniques, and even the occasional mute buttons’ failure are difficulties faced when utilizing synchronous learning as an educational delivery method.
In contrast to synchronous learning is asynchronous learning. Asynchronous learning is more individualized online learning which allows the learner more flexibility in accessing pre-recorded lectures, posted videos and materials, and gives accommodation for diverse or working learners. However, it lacks real-time interaction and much of the learning is often done isolated from any visual or auditory interactions.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that can independently perform tasks that typically require human governance or oversight. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, understanding natural language, and perception. In education, AI has been harnessed to enhance student learning through various applications.
One notable use of AI in education is personalized learning. AI facilitates the automation of administrative tasks, enabling educators to focus on teaching. Virtual tutors and language learning applications use AI to simulate real-life scenarios, facilitating language acquisition and can create an engaging and empowering learning experience. Khan Academy, one of the leading providers of instructional support for educators, students, and parents, has fully embraced this model. Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. Most recently, Khan Academy launched Khanmigo, your AI guide, which “by leveraging AI, we (Khan Academy) can bring the benefits of one-on-one tutoring—deep understanding, confidence, clarity, and empowerment—to all students” (2023). With this AI-powered tutoring, all students regardless of their background would have access to a tutor and high-quality instruction. Intelligent tutoring systems, powered by AI, provide instant feedback and customized lessons, fostering a more engaging and effective learning experience.
AI has employed even more benefits in recent years. In the November/ December 2023 District Administration journal, Deepak Sekar, describes the three ways AI can positively impact educational outcomes. First, Sekar indicated that AI brings personalized learning to life. He emphasizes that a “good deal of its value comes from helping reach children of all needs, in a customized manner, one student at a time” (Sekar, 2023). Second, he describes that AI can turn textbooks into interactive media that improves learning outcomes. In his article, Sekar referenced a study conducted by District Administration, that required students to watch a teacher-produced video then answer a series of questions about what was presented. An average of 60% of the questions were answered correctly while the group shown the AI-Avatar video achieved an average of 75% correct answers (2023).
Another significant finding was that students found it easier to understand and pay attention to the avatar: 49.5% of the respondents preferred the AI-avatar while 22% favored the teacher. The third way AI positively impacted the educational outcomes of students was that AI brings meaning back to teaching. Meaning that AI allows the teachers to focus more on teaching rather than lesson creation and materials. AI can support the educator’s efforts in building and constructing various learning modalities for their students. This instructional modality does not have to be done in isolation and can be seamlessly integrated into instructional practice and curriculum. As an emerging technology, both staff and students must continue to explore its potential to prepare our next generation for a working environment further supported by AI integrations.
However, the integration of AI in education and leadership development also comes with challenges. If you have ever called an automated system or a chat help line, you have experienced the difficulties of AI. Critics argue that over-reliance on AI might lead to a lack of human touch, academic dishonesty, and the lack of personalized guidance. With that said companies are making significant gains in this field and will continue to perfect their craft.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality:
One of the largest forces driving the future of these digital learning environments is virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). At the forefront, this futuristic approach is the United States Military. “The Agency for Modeling and Simulation is part of Team Orlando, a collaborative alliance that includes all military branches, industry and academic organizations at a campus in Orlando, Florida, which is considered the epicenter for modeling and simulation training” (Lange, 2020). The article published by the Department of Defense, written by Katie Lange outlines the importance of advancing the digital learning environment. The majority of their research and training/educational instruction is through virtual reality and/or augmented reality. Virtual reality and augmented reality are created to help students see things from a new perspective and/or learn a new skill. “By definition virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation of a real-life environment that can be explored and interacted with using a head mounted display or other devices” (Cheah, etc., 2022). Augmented reality is “superimposing digital information on the user’s real-world view through specialized glasses, lenses, or contact lenses, or through an app that projects virtual images overtop of a live camera feed from a mobile device” (Zhao, X, etc., 2022).
This emerging technology is allowing educators to utilize VR and AR to create immersive and engaging learning environments. VR and AR are already utilized in lecturing and learning institutions, medicine, and procedure practice, learning scenarios in schools, retention rates in online learning, increasing inclusivity, experimental learning, improving engagement and overcoming language barriers (Spilka, 2023).
The biggest drawback to these technologies is the human element. The parameters of the experience are limited by the creator’s imagination of the environment itself. With that said, there is still a digital divide, the potential for distraction, cost, infrastructure, and concerns about the quality of online learning. Striking a balance between embracing technology and mitigating its challenges is crucial for effective instructional delivery. “Technology is only as useful as you enable it to be, and to the extent which you understand and use it” (Stinger, 2020). Many instructors fail to harness the true power of these digital modalities and in turn fail to deliver their learners knowledge adequately and productively. While technology has revolutionized education, it comes with its own set of challenges. The core issue is the variability in learning preferences among students. Some thrive in traditional classroom settings, while others excel in technology-driven environments. Recognizing and addressing this diversity is essential for creating an educational structure that caters to the needs of all learners and critically impacts the future development of organizational leaders.
Recommendations for the Future
These recommendations are for the leadership of institutions and organizations that foster the education of our future. These leaders must assess the learning preferences and technological access of students through their schools. They should invest in needs assessment and strategic interviews to gather vital data as to how students learn to better align the assets of their instruction to student success. They should take time to identify the infrastructure and training needs of educators to support blended learning that supports the education of all students.
Creating Personalized Learning Paths:
Implement adaptive learning platforms and learning pathways that tailor educational content to individual student needs. The creation of personalized learning paths should offer a variety of ways that students can explore content combine various modalities including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), synchronous/asynchronous learning and even traditional methods can revolutionize education. The more variation an institution can offer their program the more likely they will have an increase in their enrollment and student satisfaction. The integration of these various modalities ensures a comprehensive and adaptable learning experience.
Embrace Emerging Technologies and Invest:
Educational leaders and their faculty must stay abreast of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, to enhance instructional delivery. Educational institutions must invest in infrastructure and resources to support seamless transitions between in-person and virtual learning. This also includes the investment in the professional learning of staff. Much like the United States military has done it is essential for leaders to establish partnerships with technology companies and research institutions to explore innovative educational solutions. This will allow for those institutions to share the burden of the cost and perpetuate a collaborative relationship of success. This also would provide staff with innovative reaching, students with relevant content, and the community with a positive attachment to the university or college.
Traditional teaching methods, such as lectures and textbooks, have their merits, offering a solid foundation and historical context. However, emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI) provide interactive, immersive, and personalized learning experiences that might have never existed in that student’s educational experience. Leaders need to acknowledge that a blend of these approaches can cater to individual preferences and maximize student exposure to various experiences that can accommodate to the various learning styles of a learner.
Curriculum Redesign and Professional Development Programs:
Collaborate with curriculum developers to integrate blended learning components into existing courses and ensure alignment with educational standards and learning objectives. Create ways in which the technology can support relevant and engaging learning experiences for individual students. Leaders should look to design and implement training programs for educators to enhance their proficiency in blended learning methodologies and provide ongoing support and resources for continuous professional development.
Conclusion
Blending instructional modalities is imperative for creating an inclusive and productive educational structure, which in turn will improve the quality of the leaders emerging into the real world after their studies. By understanding the strengths of the various modalities and addressing the variability in learning preferences, education can evolve to meet the diverse needs of students. As leaders, our top priority in the educational system is the success of each induvial student which makes delivering knowledge in unique and diverse ways imperative for positive outcomes and achievement. The delivery of knowledge has and will always be evolving. It is up to the educational leaders to ensure that students are evolving while growing alongside these changes and to ensure their future success. The recommendations and implementation steps outlined here serve as a roadmap for the future of instructional delivery that carries with it the important step of creating an enlarged, diversified, and more inclusive leadership pipeline.
