Title: Kinesthetic Learning in an Online Learning Environment - Center for Teaching and Learning | Wiley Education Services
Headings: Kinesthetic Learning in an Online Learning Environment
Kinesthetic Learning in an Online Learning Environment
Course Design Principles for Kinesthetic Learners
Make course materials as immersive as possible.
Incorporate interactive elements in course materials.
Create assignments that have real-life connections.
Use video creation assignments.
Keep lectures short and novel.
Send students on virtual field trips.
Course Facilitation Principles for Kinesthetic Learners
Challenge students to incorporate simple tactile exercises into their studying.
Remind students to take a break and walk around.
Help students visualize complex processes.
Encourage exploration and experimentation.
Conclusion
References

Content: Even simple enhancements to lectures such as including pictures or sound effects can help remind kinesthetic learners of the real-life situations that the material is related to and can thus increase retention (Pappas, 2016). Incorporate interactive elements in course materials. Even if you don’t have the time or resources to create highly immersive materials, you can still introduce tactile elements into your course through simple learning management system tools such as drag-and-drop activities and flash cards (Kato, 2017). According to Pappas (2016), “the mere act of clicking on an object and moving it to a target can make online learners feel more connected and improve knowledge retention.” Along the same lines, mind-mapping activities and assignments give students the opportunity to lay out images and make connections in a more tactile way. Create assignments that have real-life connections. Kinesthetic learners benefit from material that they can connect to emotionally and that helps them visualize the real-life applications of abstract concepts. Thus, it’s helpful to replicate real-life experiences through role-playing activities and case studies (Wood & Sereni-Massinger, 2016). Branching scenarios can also help introduce real-world applications and simulate higher stakes that will engage kinesthetic learners (Pappas, 2016). These scenarios give students opportunities not only to participate tactilely, but also to see outcomes and receive feedback in a more immersive way than a typical activity or quiz.