Globalized eLearning

Accelerated globalization challenges educators to provide culturally accessible learning to countries other than their own. However to do so we must investigate the differences that may affect the achievement of equitable learning outcomes. Translation is a logical first step. Localization - a process in which symbols images etc. are changed to those recognized by the targeted learners - is also an effective adaptation. However in education we inadvertently imbed our deeply rooted culturally diverse values into our approaches to learning and teaching. In this book we explore the existence of cultural dimensions in elearning a favored tool for global education. We examine whether such differences between learners in the United States and India affect learning outcomes and whether learners have different perceptions of and preferences for elearning. Subsequently we propose the Cultural Adaptation Process (CAP). The CAP Model provides a framework with which online instructors and instructional designers can identify any needs for cultural adaptation - aligned with course content media and instructional approaches - within the constraints of their resources.