The impact of cultural issues on learning object design and development Mei Qi, Tom Boyle, Yong Xue Learning Technology Research Institution London Metropolitan University

Introduction Cultural diversity exists in education and e-learning Quality of e-learning should be equal for all Cultural perspective is demanded for reusable learning objects

Culture “…, is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, morals, law, custom and any other habits and capabilities acquired by man as a member of society ” the first anthropological definition of culture by E. B. Tylor in 1871 “… is the collective programming of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another ” (Hofestede 1991).

Meaning of Learning object A Learning object is an independent and self- standing unit of learning content that is predisposed to reuse in multiple instructional contexts. (Polsani 2003) A Learning object is about pedagogy A Learning object contains “ micro-context ”

A preliminary empirical study LOs of Java Programming LOs of Java Programming London Metropolitan University – in London, UK Beijing Union University – in Beijing, China Used after translationUsed directly Developed by LTRI

Translation of the learning objects from English to Chinese

Cultural diversity can be understood at different levels of learning objects Pedagogical level – learning content, pedagogical pattern, teaching method, learning style, roles, etc. Presentation level – language, navigation, layout of interface, etc. Prerequisite level – infrastructure, learner attitude towards e-learning, computer skills and experience, etc.

Learning object design and development Pedagogical design Teaching and learning activity configuration Implementation

The cultural influences on the design and development can be understood in a variety of levels Concrete Implementation Configure Teaching/ Learning Activity Presentation Cultural Influence Pedagogical Pattern Pedagogical Design Prerequisites

Culture-related variables affecting LOs design & development  Learning content  Instruction  Interaction  Illustration and exercise  Navigation  Language  Communication  Motivation and stimulation  Interface  Infrastructure  Personal needs and pre-knowledge

Generating LOs with cultural sensitivity Meet the needs of learners who have different cultural background Promote the quality of education for all learners equally Enhance the reusability of LOs

Further work Mapping the culturally-related variables to the design and development of learning objects Using the generative learning object (GLO) authoring tool (developed by CETL) to realise the connection

Reference Hofstede Geert (1994) Cultures and Organizations, Intercultural Co-operation and its Importance for Survival, Software of Mind, McGraw-Hill International, UK Polsani P. R. (2003) Use and Abuse of Reusable Learning Objects, Journal of Digital Information, Volume 3 Issue 4, Tylor, Edward Burnett (1871) Primitive culture: researches into the development of mythology, philosophy, religion, art, and custom, London : Routledge/Thoemmes, 1994, vol. 2 LTRI website – CETL website --