“E-Learning courses are cultural artifacts, embedded within the cultural values, preferences, characteristics, and nuances of the culture that designed them”, and they “inherently create challenges for learners from other cultures” (Uzuner). Culture can be defined as the acquired behaviors, perspectives, and value characteristics of a particular group or community. In that, instructors/trainers often teach using the dominant cultural attitudes and values of the group, neglecting those of the minority. So, what are the some of the effects of culture in asynchronous/ synchronous learning environments?
First lets compare the learner differences between Western (United States) and non-Western cultures. Western learners tend to honor individual interests and are extremely independent. Western education also tends to reproduce the ideologies of its society through educational credentials that maintain individual privileges of class, perhaps neglecting the surrounding community. In contrast, non-Western, indigenous cultures feel that learning is collective, in which the Self is interdependent on the community, society, and the universe. The purpose of learning is not self advancement, but empowerment to be active in the community, and be in balance and harmony with one’s surroundings.
Instructional considerations toward being sensitive to culture in eLearning environments include:**Providing a safe environment so users have a high comfort level for participation and use of personal opinion and emotion in online discussion. **Have set rules, expectations, and requirements for personal involvement, and forewarn learners of the cultural impact of material. **Encourage learners to expand their social presence, and depend on both teacher and peers for learning.
References
Uzuner, S. (2009). Questions of Culture in Distance Learning: A Research Review. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 10:3, 1-19.
