Identifying and Understanding Cultural Differences in the Online Classroom

The purpose of this study is to examine how online course instructors identify cultural differences among students in the classroom. In addition, the study explores how knowing students\u27 cultural backgrounds and cultural norms can prepare instructors to facilitate among varied learning styles, values, and perceptions within a course. The findings lead to a better understanding of how instructors in online course settings can better identify and attend to the learning styles and needs of students in light of cultural differences

Learning from multimedia and hypermedia

Computer-based multimedia and hypermedia resources (e.g., the world wide web) have become one of the primary sources of academic information for a majority of pupils and students. In line with this expansion in the field of education, the scientific study of learning from multimedia and hypermedia has become a very active field of research. In this chapter we provide a short overview with regard to research on learning with multimedia and hypermedia. In two review sections, we describe the educational benefits of multiple representations and of learner control, as these are the two defining characteristics of hypermedia. In a third review section we describe recent scientific trends in the field of multimedia/hypermedia learning. In all three review sections we will point to relevant European work on multimedia/hypermedia carried out within the last 5 years, and often carried out within the Kaleidoscope Network of Excellence. According to the interdisciplinary nature of the field this work might come not only from psychology, but also from technology or pedagogy. Comparing the different research activities on multimedia and hypermedia that have dominated the international scientific discourse in the last decade reveals some important differences. Most important, a gap seems to exist between researchers mainly interested in a “serious” educational use of multimedia/ hypermedia and researchers mainly interested in “serious” experimental research on learning with multimedia/hypermedia. Recent discussions about the pros and cons of “design-based research” or “use-inspired basic research” can be seen as a direct consequence of an increasing awareness of the tensions within these two different cultures of research on education

Cultural and leadership influences on pharmaceutical R and D team innovation

The pain, suffering and financial toll that disease takes on the world is ever increasing, and those faced with a diagnosis or in the business of reversing it are in need of innovation more than ever. As major players in the healthcare industry, biopharmaceutical companies face internal and external challenges to innovate that are increasingly more difficult. These companies organize the work of drug development into primarily a team-based exercise. Research indicates that team leadership and culture can have an influence on team innovativeness. However, this is less well known in the biopharmaceutical industry. Additionally, the role of the team leader to leverage the team culture and or the larger, macro-culture of the overall organization is also less well known. This dissertation examines the following: How do team leaders in one specific company, Biopharm, foster innovation? How do team members foster innovation? How does team and/or organizational culture foster or inhibit innovation? The results of this research indicate that team leaders primarily view innovation as something that involves re-imagining current processes, tool, and methods in order to better the standard of care. Team members, on the other hand, view innovation as being driven primarily by the managerial aspects of drug development (i.e. managing and improving timelines, cost, or quality). Although not thought of as traditional innovation, where a completely new product is introduced, these types of incremental innovations are important as they can mean saving time reaching the market, which can present a potentially multi-million dollar-a-day savings. At the macro level, these differing perceptions of innovation between team members and leaders create a tension on teams that leads to frustration. Additionally, the overall organizational culture demonstrates variable risk tolerance throughout and variable remit for autonomous thinking across teams. This research increases our understanding of innovation and teamwork in the biopharmaceutical industry and offers insight to senior management, team leaders, and team members as they strive to align their work practices in the spirit of finding the next big medical breakthrough

Toward a Better Experience: Examining Student Needs in the Online Classroom through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Model

Current research continues to support the notion that students participating in online courses experience dissatisfaction for a number of reasons. Instructors carry on their search for ways to enhance learning and increase levels of satisfaction with respect to all aspects of the online classroom experience. This paper focuses specifically on students in the online classroom, and how to attend to their needs in an effort to foster a more satisfying learning experience. Using Maslow\u27s hierarchy of needs model as a conceptual framework, the paper examines how student needs can be addressed at various levels in online courses, from basic needs to the ultimate goal of self-actualization. Based on this analysis, recommendations are discussed in the way of strategies and tools that can be used to positively affect the online student experience

Facilitation Across Cultures in the Online Classroom

The author explores how cultural differences manifest themselves in online course settings, including how instructors identify these differences and perceive their roles in the classroom with respect to facilitating across multiple cultures. The author also analyzes how instructors perceive the importance of culture in the classroom and how these perceptions affect facilitation strategies. Findings point to the significance of seeking out cultural differences early in a course and how instructor-student interactions allow for a deeper understanding of misunderstood issues or course content. The author describes key strategies that are essential to identifying and facilitating cultural awareness in the online classroom, as well as creating a safe space for discussion

Cultural Inclusivity in Online Learning

This chapter addresses the complexities of building an effective learning environment in light of a diverse, multicultural student group. Existing research focuses on how to foster learning in traditional classroom environments, comprised of students from varied cultures and backgrounds. Yet, little is known about what strategies towards cultural inclusion are effective in an online learning environment. This chapter discusses the influence of cultural difference in online learning and provides ways courses can be more inclusive. This chapter is beneficial for instructors, course designers, and administrators who want to learn more about how to foster a culturally inclusive learning environment in online course settings

Cultivating Diverse Online Classrooms Through Effective Instructional Design

Higher education programs are continuously expanding globally and now, students who are enrolled in online courses can reside anywhere in the world. Due to this phenomenon, institutions are forced to adapt to serve their remote students. Cultivating Diverse Online Classrooms Through Effective Instructional Design provides emerging information on designing online courses recognizing cultural differences, building effective learning environments and forums, and integrating classroom aesthetics. While highlighting the challenges of online education and intercultural learning, readers will learn valuable ways to maximize student communication, learning, and other culturally diverse classroom tools. This publication is an important resource for instructional designers, graduate students, academics, and other higher education professionals seeking current research on the best ways to globally expand online higher education

Cultivating Diverse Online Classrooms Through Effective Instructional Design

Higher education programs are continuously expanding globally and now, students who are enrolled in online courses can reside anywhere in the world. Due to this phenomenon, institutions are forced to adapt to serve their remote students. Cultivating Diverse Online Classrooms Through Effective Instructional Design provides emerging information on designing online courses recognizing cultural differences, building effective learning environments and forums, and integrating classroom aesthetics. While highlighting the challenges of online education and intercultural learning, readers will learn valuable ways to maximize student communication, learning, and other culturally diverse classroom tools. This publication is an important resource for instructional designers, graduate students, academics, and other higher education professionals seeking current research on the best ways to globally expand online higher education