Distance education in a global age

Abstract

As global online access grows, so does the prospect that online classes will contain students from various cultures and countries. Within this educational environment, cultural differences can affect how students share ideas, comprehend concepts, and access course-related materials. Effective instruction in international online classes therefore requires instructors to address those cultural differences that could most greatly affect learning in such environments. This essay provides an overview of some of the more problematic factors related to international online classes. In examining these factors, the essay also presents strategies for mitigating related problems. The essay then concludes with an annotated list of free online resources educators can use to learn more about cultural factors that could affect learning in online classrooms.