Topic: Culture and Communication in Virtual Learning Environments
Instructor: Dr. Leah Macfadyen
Credits: 3
Overview:
This online course introduces theoretical frameworks and existing research that consider the potential impact of culture on communications and learning in virtual learning environments. The research area of intercultural communication, theories and methods, is reviewed, with a particular focus on definitions of the concept of culture in different contexts. Through examination of ‘critical incidents’ and investigation of their own professional and educational contexts, participants will consider the ways in which culture can impact learning in virtual environments, including (but not limited to) assumptions about ‘student-teacher’ communications; learner and teacher roles; communication style and genre; privacy vs self-disclosure; environment design; and attitudes towards truth, knowledge and evidence. The course will also consider whether contemporary Internet and communication technologies are changing cultural communication practices.