Dealing with "learning culture shock" in multicultural authentic e-learning

Abstract: With international e-learning becoming increasingly widespread, questions of cultural considerations and accommodating for learners with different cultural backgrounds have become ever more important. This paper discusses the cultural aspects in a fully online, authentic e-learning based professional development program for international teaching faculty. Instead of attempting to customize the learning environment for individual learners, the aim has been to develop an environment that promotes cultural sensitivity, appreciation for diversity and dialogue, based on the principles of authentic e-learning. As this approach differs from traditional teaching and learning methods, it may feel unfamiliar for the students. Therefore the paper concentrates especially on the concept of learning culture shock and examines the factors that may cause it, or on the other hand, help learners deal with it. It also discusses the suitability of authentic e-learning as the design framework for multicultural contexts.