IIG

The application of Multiple Intelligences theory to increase the effectiveness of e-learning, recruitment practices and Internet search engines

E-learning has changed the way people learn dramatically (this concerns both vocational and educational training), however it seems that content developers and software vendors continue to ignore arising problems – a considerable higher drop-out rate, lover effectivenes and satisfaction in case of e-learning programs compared to traditional ones. According to the needs analysis, these problems result from lack of user centric, personalized approach.

The project's main goal is to overcome these problems, which are seen by many researchers as major e-learning weaknesses. This objective can be accomplished due to a shift from technology to learner oriented solutions and the focus on human potential and abilities. This shift requires a psychological approach, where Multiple Intelligences theory (MI) developed by Howard Gardner (professor of education at Harvard University) can be a good start point, since this theory has been used successfully in traditional education. MI theory will be supplemented with other approaches that consider the influence of age, gender, culture education background, IT literacy, etc. on preferred training.

Outcomes of the project will include:

• New approaches to the use of existing methods and instruments – the application of MI theory has been very successful in traditional education. The project is aimed at transferring the application of MI theory to new themes (e-learning, HR management, identifying individual potential and abilities, career and training opportunities on the basis of MI measuring tools).

• New products in response to existing problems – the model for MI theory application in new themes can be considered as a new product, developed in order to overcome existing problems mentioned above. This model will be implemented and evaluated in order to prove its usefulness. During these phases several other innovative products will be developed (Results, e.g. online tools for measuring MI profile).

• New learning practices, more personalized and user oriented.

The main project result is a model for efficient and cost-effective MI theory application in e-learning. This model will be put into practice within the course of the project for evaluation purposes. Another important result will be a model for transferring the application of MI theory into other areas.