Cultural Challenges of E-Learning Experiences: An Exploratory Research

Globalization and advances in information and communication technologies have increased the diversification of the characteristics of targeted students. The cultural diversity of users benefits learning but challenges institutions. In this context, we are trying to identify the cultural dimensions that influence the e-learning experience of users from different cultures. As we are interested in the meaning given by users to their experiences, we have conducted a qualitative study with 15 teachers and learners in a multi-cultural context. The content analysis showed the existence of four dimensions that can be factors of convergence or divergence for the learners. These dimensions are management of time and learning activities, management of the learning space, management of interpersonal relations, and style of communication. The results call the attention of professionals to improve the practical approaches to adapt e-learning services to different cultures in order to improve the perception of the e-learning experience.