Title: Foundations of cultural design in e-learning

Authors: Davoud Masoumi, Berner Lindstrom

Addresses: Department of Education, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 300, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden. ' Department of Education, University of Gothenburg, P.O. Box 300, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden

Abstract: This paper is an attempt to discuss foundational issues for designing e-learning that are sensitive to specific social and cultural settings in developing countries. We argue that recognising cultural diversity is a critical factor in design and use of e-learning as an instrument to promote development in a globalisation perspective. Drawing on contemporary research literature, the paper explores basic notions of culture; models of cultural diversity; cultural considerations in designing and using ICT in e-learning; and models and dimensions of cultural diversity in education and e-learning. We also characterise some common traits in Eastern, particularly Iranian, pedagogical cultures.

Keywords: e-learning; instructional designing; culture; cultural dimensions; Eastern pedagogical culture; developing countries; Iran; internet; online learning; electronic learning; cultural diversity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIEM.2009.023926

International Journal of Internet and Enterprise Management, 2009 Vol.6 No.2, pp.124 - 142

Published online: 20 Mar 2009 *

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