On-line Education and Cross –Cultural Problems (上)_计算机网络论文.docVIP

On-line Education and Cross –Cultural Problems (上)_计算机网络论文 On-line Education and Cross –Cultural Problems (上)_计算机网络论文 Abstract This paper discusses several cultural problems I see with Internet Education. While recognizing the great promise of the Internet as a tool for education and learning, I will discuss some problems that I see in the clash of the cultures of technologists, educators and the various target student groups. In this paper, I will take the liberty to define culture very broadly in some cases, but will basically discuss how I use the Internet to prepare my students for cultural experiences in the United States. I will also discuss how the Internet might be used to teach cultural elements like theater, literature, music, and art. In addition, I will present ideas about how other aspects of culture, like communication styles and learning styles may effect on-line distance education. Finally, I will suggest solutions to the various cultural problems I see in on-line education. Introduction On-line Education has become the watchword in education today. We are constantly bombarded by headlines like “Schools Promised More PC’s,” “Computers are Essential for Education Today,” “Prime Minister Wants One PC for Each Student by 2010,” and others. However, there are some problems that must be solved if on-line education is to become an effective tool for education equal to that received in a traditional campus based program. I want to outline some of my concerns and my great hope for the future of this new tool of education. Technologist vs. Traditional Educators I think we can look at on-line education as a kind of cultural clash between the technologist on the one hand and the traditional educators on the other. The technologist believes that technology will rejuvenate education by reducing time restraints, conquering distance and making it more creative. Furthermore, they believe that all this technology, the PC with accompanying whistles and gizmos, will