Facilitation Across Cultures in the Online Classroom

Abstract

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