Title: Cultural competence in web-based instruction: a conceptual framework

Authors: Patricia Montiel-Overall

Addresses: School of Information Resources and Library Science, The University of Arizona, 1515 E. First Street, Tucson, Arizona 85719, USA

Abstract: Web-based instruction has become a preferred method of instruction for increasingly diverse communities of learners. To address the instructional needs of these learners greater consideration must be given to cultural differences in course design including architecture and instructional course structure. This paper argues that a cultural competence model of instruction is needed to guide web-based instruction and to develop the potential of online communities of learners. A cultural competence framework is described to meet this need. It incorporates cultural considerations within three domains: cognitive, interpersonal and environmental. The framework provides a guide for designing and using web-based instruction.

Keywords: web-based instruction; learning communities; cultural competence; e-learning; online learning electronic learning; web based communities; online communities; virtual communities; course design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2010.033751

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2010 Vol.6 No.3, pp.254 - 268

Published online: 30 Jun 2010 *

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