Most universities are now moving to online and distance learning systems to meet the needs of different types of learners [1]. Indeed, 'e-learning' is already being used by a number of universities [2], which offer online courses and degree programs. The online and distance learning systems can be used either to replace face-to-face learning or to assist students with face-to-face learning. Numerous different learning styles have been identified, which take into account individual differences in the way people learn. The learning styles theory implies that how much individuals learn has more to do with whether the educational experience is geared toward their particular style of learning than whether or not they are "intelligent". Individuals perceive and process information in very different ways, therefore, there is a necessity for a learning system to take into account as many details as possible in terms of the learning styles of the users [3].......

"This book provides a comprehensive examination of interactivity, combining key perspectives from communication and media studies, distributed cognition, system affordances, user control, and social interaction, intended for researchers working in the fields of communication and media, educational media, e-learning, and instructional technology"--Provided by publisher.

Multimedia environments suggest to us a new perception of the state of changes in and the integration of new technologies that can increase our ability to process information. Moreover, they are obliging us to change our idea of knowledge. These changes are reflected in the obvious synergetic convergence of different types of access, communication and information exchange. The multimedia learning environment should not represent a passive object that only contains or assembles information but should become, on one side, the communication medium of the pedagogical intentions of the professor/designer and, on the other side, the place where the learner reflects and where he or she can play with, test and access information and try to interpret it, manipulate it and build new knowledge. The situation created by such a new learning environments that give new powers to individuals, particularly with regard to accessing and handling diversified dimensions of information, is becoming increasingly prevalent in the field of education. The old static equilibrium, in which fixed roles are played by the teacher (including the teaching environment) and the learner, is shifting to dynamic eqUilibrium where the nature of information and its processing change, depending on the situation, the learning context and the individual's needs.

"Provides theory and research-based recommendations on information presentation techniques for multimedia and e-learning environments. Focuses on extensively researched principles and methodologies, offering comprehensive research and practical implications while providing concrete examples on adaptive multimedia learning."--Publisher description.

"This book provides coverage of a wide range of factors that influence the design, use and adoption of Personalized Learning Environments"--Provided by publisher.