Personality type and learning environments:
Two case studies

Ainslie E. Ellis
Academic Development and Support
Swinburne University of Technology

Research by the author has been conducted previously that explores the similarities and differences in online and face-to-face environments, and the exploration of personality type and the learner’s experience of the online learning environment. This paper presents two case studies of learners who were categorised using the Myers Briggs Type Inventory® according to their connection with the outer world (the Extraversion / Introversion dichotomy and the Judging / Perceiving dichotomy), describing their physical learning environments and the different needs that each environment presents and meets. It then explores possible ways that the online environment might complement the physical learning environment and meet the same needs, discussing the implications for the online environment.

Keywords: personality type, learning environments