Title: Woven folklore: computers promoting cross-cultural understanding

Authors: Pekka Parkkinen, Erkki Sutinen

Addresses: University of Jyvaskyla, Teacher Training School Jyvaskylan Normaalikoulu, PO BOX 35 (N), FI 40014 Jyvaskylan yliopisto, Finland. ' University of Joensuu, Department of Computer Science, University of Joensuu, PO Box 111, FIN-80101 Joensuu, Finland

Abstract: Multicultural cooperation requires participants to understand the cultural background and identity of all the partners. In this respect, computers provide the cooperation with a new and interesting instrument. A team of students from two schools, one in Tanzania, another in Finland, implemented a multimedia version of an African folklore story. A computer served as a platform for genuine cooperation: the whole team worked on one electronic artefact, despite the geographical distance between the members. The collaborative process helped each participant to clarify his/her own cultural background whilst also becoming acquainted with that of his/her distant partner.

Keywords: contextual educational technology; ICT teaching; intercultural education; collaborative learning; multimedia; Tanzania; Finland.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2004.004571

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2004 Vol.14 No.1/2, pp.24 - 315

Published online: 21 May 2004 *

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