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The importance of computer experience, learning processes, and communication patterns in multicultural networking

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Abstract

This paper reports on a case study which was undertaken to study issues fundamental to a computer-assisted, multicultural education. During the study, a group of Asian American middle-school students corresponded with culturally dissimilar students using telecommunications. The data reported reflect the Asian American students' experience. Results concerning three themes of the research are discussed: computer knowledge, learning processes, and communication patterns. Findings indicate that students of different ethnic backgrounds may have different attitudes about and knowledge of computers, cross-cultural communication patterns, and learning processes when working with computers. These differences should be taken into account when planning a computer-assisted, multicultural curriculum.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. the University of Minnesota, USA

    Kerry Freedman (associate professor in curriculum and instruction)

  2. Hua-Lien Teachers College, Taiwan

    Meihui Liu (social studies faculty)

Authors
  1. Kerry Freedman
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  2. Meihui Liu
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Additional information

The authors wish to thank Andy Xiong for his invaluable assistance on this project. We would also like to thank the three teachers for their contributions to the research. This research was supported by a grant from the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, College of Education, University of Minnesota.

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Freedman, K., Liu, M. The importance of computer experience, learning processes, and communication patterns in multicultural networking. ETR&D 44, 43–59 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02300325

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