A study on learning effect among different learning styles in a Web-based lab of science at elementary schools

The purpose of this study is to explore the learning effect related to different learning styles in a science Web-based virtual laboratory at elementary school level. The design of a on-line virtual-lab allows teachers to integrate information and communication technology (ICT) into science teaching. The results of this experimental teaching method demonstrate that: (a) students in the experimental group using the on-line virtual-lab achieved better grades than those in the control group under conventional class introduction, (b) in the experimental group, grade achievements out of different learning styles are not obviously different from each other. The Web-based virtual learning environment is suitable for various learning styles, (c) students with "accommodator" style achieved most significantly in the project, and (d) up to 75% of the students surveyed indicated that they would prefer using the Web-based virtual lab to learn than reading textbooks only. The result of the experimental teaching and the survey show the feasibility and effectiveness of the conception of a Web-based learning environment being studied. It encourages further development of the idea.