Author(s): Patricia A. Young & Tutaleni I. Asino
Year of publication: 2020
Keywords: Educational technology, Culture, Online learning, Digital literacy, MOOCs
Methodology/Sample: _/_
Reference: Young, P. A., & Asino, T. I. (2020). Cultural implications in educational technology: A survey. In Bishop, M.J., Boling, E., Elen, J., Svihla, V. (Eds.), Handbook of Research in Educational Communications and Technology (pp. 263-283). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36119-8_11
Abstract
Globally, the design of information and communication technologies that consider culture is growing. However, there remains a great need to be more explicit about the challenges and triumphs of considering culture in research related to the use of technology in education. This chapter provides a review of literature analyzing conceptualizations of educational technology and culture.
> Summary
- The paper explores the significance of culture in educational technology, emphasizing that cultural factors influence technology adoption and learning experiences.
- It highlights the need for inclusive research that considers cultural contexts, access issues, and the digital divide, particularly in relation to MOOCs and other technologies.
- The research identifies three strands of digital literacy: cultural capital, designs for learning, and cross-cultural learning, asserting that digital literacy is as crucial as traditional literacy.
- It calls for educational technology to be designed with cultural considerations to enhance learning for diverse populations.
> Problem statement
- The paper discusses resistance to e-learning technology among faculty and students in higher education institutions, highlighting cultural conflicts and administrative challenges.
- It emphasizes the need for cultural change to facilitate the adoption of technological innovations in educational settings.
- The research identifies issues in indigenous language revitalization, including accessibility and cultural challenges in using technology.
- It points out the lack of a unified definition of culture in educational technology, complicating research and implementation.
- The paper also addresses the digital divide and access issues that hinder educational progress globally.
> Methods used
- The paper conducted a literature review of articles from various educational technology journals published between 2011 and 2017.
- It utilized the educational technology acceptance (ETA) model to explore relationships between acceptance and culture.
- The research gathered articles using EBSCOHost Academic Search Premier to assess culture’s role in educational technology.
- Cultural models were defined and interpreted to understand technology use across different contexts.
- The study examined how technology is used in school cultures and its impact on cultural adoption.
> Practical implications
- The paper highlights the necessity for instructional designers and educators to incorporate cultural considerations into the development of educational technologies to enhance learning experiences.
- It emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural contexts of learners to create culturally relevant and sensitive online learning environments, which can lead to increased satisfaction and engagement.
- The research suggests that mobile technologies should be utilized to support authentic learning experiences that are contextually relevant to local cultures.
- Additionally, it calls for a more inclusive approach in educational technology research to address the digital divide and ensure equitable access to learning resources.