As learners gain access to the latest electronic products such as computers, laptops, and smartphones, e-learning has become an inseparable part of learning. The myriad of online learning resources offers different options in matching the appropriate program or platform to learner specific needs. This article has differentiated learners using the Multiple Intelligence Theory by Gardner and suggested possible E-learning resources that can aid different learners based on the way the learners acquire knowledge.

The Multiple Intelligence Theory was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner. The theory describes how different people learn in different ways. He identified eight intelligences: musical–rhythmic, visual–spatial, verbal–linguistic, logical–mathematical, bodily–kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. Over the years, teachers have learned to apply the Multiple Intelligence Theory to their teaching practices in the classroom.

In recent year, technological advancements have transformed teaching practices further as e-learning becomes the norm of what one would find in every classroom worldwide. Teachers have become adept at modifying e-learning activities to fit the needs of different learners. What is e-learning? E-learning is electronic teaching and learning. It involves using a device such as a computer to deliver part of, or all of a course – at home, at school, for business or for a distance-learning course. Teachers go online to research and access different types of activities. The wide range of activities helps to support the different learning styles of learners, which facilitates the learning process.

Students were timed using an online timer to complete a group activity.

Based on the eight different intelligences proposed by Gardner, we have outlined some traits for each of the intelligences and suggested possible e-learning resources that may appeal for different learners.

Musical-rhythmic learners are good at discerning pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone. These learners are good at reproducing music after hearing it. They enjoy singing or drumming out beats. They tend to be successful composers, conductors, musicians, vocalist, and sensitive listeners. One of the most common and easy ways of accessing music videos is through platforms such as You Tube. As a result, the use of You Tube videos is one of the most common computer-based instruction (CBI) used by teachers. Musical-rhythmic learners tend to engage in technology- enhanced learning (TEL) by experimenting and reproducing music they’ve heard using programs such as Csound. Other programs such as Audacity allow these learners to edit music, and process audio files.

Visual-spatial learners are adept at thinking in three dimensions. This ability allows the learners to visualize and manipulate visual images in their head. They are found to be successful sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters, and architects. Computer-based instruction in using three dimensional modeling programs such as 3D Studio Max or Maya can help these learners generate and share the images in their head with others. Visual-spatial learners enjoy creating mazes and solving jigsaw puzzles. Free online mazes and jigsaw puzzles such as Jigsaw Plane offer learners new challenges the learners may not have thought of themselves. Other online platforms such as Dipity and Emaze, allow learners to organize information graphically, can be powerful learning aids for visual-spatial learners. When these learners can arrange information in a way that visually makes sense to them, they can better retain the information they need to learn more efficiently and for longer periods of time.

Bodily-kinesthetic learners benefit from physical experiences e.g. touching, feeling, holding and doing. They learn best through practical, hands-on experience. Bodily-kinesthetic learners are good at physical activities such as sports, dancing, acting and making things. Learners with a high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence would be good builders, dancers, actors, police officers and soldiers. One way to appeal to your bodily-kinesthetic learners is by giving them the freedom to explore virtual environments and e-learning platforms. Allow them to do activities that require them to get physically involved, such as learning a new dance routine by watching an online video. Or, provide them with exciting, interactive games for them to play through gaming systems such as Wii.

Verbal-linguistic learners excel with words and languages. They are good at reading, writing, telling stories and memorizing words and numbers. A career in journalism or writing would suit learners with a high verbal-linguistic intelligence. Conversation-style scenarios, discussions and on-line forums would engage linguistic learners. Providing access to relevant blogs and giving them a “note-pad” facility to write down ideas they have as the course progresses would also appeal to this type of learner.

Websites such as Weebly allow students to create their own sites.

Logical-mathematical learners are good at putting things in sequence. They have great inductive and deductive skills that allow them to find logical relationships and connections in seemingly unrelated things or events. These learners are particularly drawn to strategy games, arithmetic problems and experiments. They tend to be successful mathematicians or physicists. E-learning is particularly well suited to these learners because they can find logical connections between the different information learned online and make sense of it. They would do really well programming in a computer language. A logical progression might be to start with a picture language program such as Turtle Art. Then, move on to bubble language program such as Scratch. After that, a first “real” programming language such as Visual Basic could be introduced. Logical-mathematical learners also like to play online strategy games such as Star Craft, where they choose an alien species out of the three and strategize to help the chosen species gain dominance in an alien world. Whether it is learning a new programming language, or playing an online game, the biggest appeal of e-learning is from the process of manipulating and experimenting with different computer programs in realizing a learning goal.

Strategy online games like Star Craft appeal to logical-mathematical learners.

Interpersonal learners are able to understand and learn from others. They benefit from group discussions and are sensitive to the moods and feelings of others. Careers that suit those with a high interpersonal intelligence include sales persons, politicians, teachers, counselors and social workers. Interpersonal learners would thrive using a virtual learning environment (VLE). This is a web-based platform where participants are organized into different groups. Teachers can share their resources, educational materials and lessons online for their learners to access. Learners can send in their assignments to their teacher via this platform, too. Learners also have access to “virtual rooms” which provide an extension of their classroom where they can share ideas with other learners. Setting up an exchange with another school is a great idea for learners with a high interpersonal intelligence. Organize a Skype date and get your students to talk to and interact with other students. The students could be from another school within your area or you could arrange an international exchange. These kinds of learners would also benefit from exchanging ideas via instant messaging such as MSN.

Intrapersonal learners are self aware and self-motivated. They may be shy. These children tend to be successful psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers. Resources such as Weebly and WordPress allow these learners to create learner directed research blogs by providing links to videos, and podcasts. Using blog platforms to create digital-based projects not only allows students to publish their work online but also invites learners to self-reflect on the process of their project creation. Since intrapersonal learners may be shy, videoconferencing resources such as Zoom and Google Hangout are good options for these learners to communicate with other experts and learners around the world. This would alleviate the anxiety of first time face-to-face meetings. Self-learning resources from Khan Academy and Front Row also appeal to intrapersonal learners since they are able to work on appropriate challenges based on the learners’ current learning needs. Assessments created on websites such as Quizlet allow learners to self-monitor and keep track of their learning progress. Teachers can access the assessments and use the data to further challenge and aid in the learning process.

Websites such as Quizlet can allow individual students to learn and practice independently online.

Naturalistic learners are similar to kinesthetic learners in that they learn best by touching, feeling, and doing things hands-on. The difference is that these learners like to do these things within nature and the outdoors. They are good at noticing and using the environment around them. Potential careers for learners with a high naturalistic intelligence would be a biologist, conservationist, gardener, or farmer. As these learners enjoy being outdoors, you could try to bridge outdoor activities with online activities. One example of this is to get learners to take photos of nature and/or animals using a hand-held device such as an iPad. They can then use the internet to edit their photos and provide a picture story using their photos.

In a traditional classroom environment, the role of the student is mainly passive. The teacher is mostly responsible for providing the knowledge that the students gain. E-learning on the other hand offers students a choice in the methodology and content of what they learn. Well-known e-learning platforms such as TED and MOOC can address all of the different intelligences. Different intelligences may be emphasized based on the topic or the lecture style. In fact, social media platforms such as Twitter, and Facebook have taken learning and social collaboration to new heights as learners post information learned and respond to one another in real-time. When used appropriately, e-learning can be instrumental in supporting learners of all different intelligences in their pursuit of knowledge.