Understanding E-Learning Styles in Distance Learning in Times of the Covid-19 Pandemic – Towards a Taxonomy

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to empirically explore the e-learning behavior of university students in distance learning during the Corona-Pandemic to gain deeper insights that can help to develop more individualized e-learning practices. Based on a dataset of 164 active and former students from different study programs, universities, and semesters, we first apply factor analysis to identify 24 relevant learning factors regarding their mental progress, social aspects, and sensory perception. These factors, in turn, served as the basis for a cluster analysis, in which the students were classified into eight distinct e-learning clusters representing the taxonomy of different e-learning styles in distance learning. Based on the findings, we highlight the implications for research and practice and derived a set of seven propositions for appropriate teaching and learning strategies for distance learning. These propositions could help to address the individual digital needs of the students in a more effective manner. © 2021, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.