This section comprises information, links, references and activities related to Sociocultural Considerations. Questions or feedback should be directed to Greg Parrish

What do I need to know about Socio-Cultural Implications for Teaching?

When considering socio-cultural implications on education from an educator's perspective, two paradigms should be investigated. The first has reference to socio-cultural issues prior to engaging in the learning process through the medium of internet technology (Pre-IT engagement). The second focuses on the socio-cultural implications after the individual has embraced learning through internet technologies (Post IT Access).

What Happens Before Students Can Engage with IT?

For a diagrammatic representation of the Pre-Engagement Phase, click here.

Access

a) Infrastructure: Is there internet accessibility via cable, phone line, satellite.
b) Proximity: Access via local library, school or other portal.
c) Personal computer and integrated software.

Click here for a related Web Link: Aust Bureau of Statistics (2000)

Literacy

a) Computer literacy / techno-phobia
b) Basic reading writing and literacy skills
c) ESL and Language of choice

Cultural & Religious considerations

a) Religious restrictions (The Brethren)
b) Gender issues: Patriarchal systems, women & education
c) Home/ workplace support

Click here for a related Web Link

Economic Considerations

a) Continued cost of participation
b) Initial cost of Hardware etc
c) Housing

Click here for a related Web Link

 

What Happens after Students Have Obtained Access to IT?

For a diagrammatic representation of the Post-IT Access Phase, click here

Continued Access

a) Availability of hardware/software
b) Continuation of connection: cost, line interruption, reliability
c) Proximity: Continued access to libraries, schools, workplace, public facilities etc

Click here for a related Web Link: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2000)

Social Norms

a) IT Management: controlling time spent on the internet, monopolizing facilities, Workplace/Education facility IT policy
b) Acceptable behaviour: deviant & predatory behaviour, visual and actual
c) Communication & Language: ESL, abusive language

Click here for a related Web Link

Cultural Considerations

Click here for a related Web Link

a) Gender

More about Gender Considerations

b) Unlimited access to www: no boundaries, integrated culture and learning, breaches cultural barriers, open to extra-cultural thinking and concepts

More about Unlimited Access

c) Cross cultural integration: blended cultures

Literacy

Click here for a useful Literacy reference.

a) Multi-linguality
b) Multi-media learning capacity: web cam, music, video, chat rooms etc
c) Emoti-cons: internet based language
d) Hearing Impaired: capacity for learning for disabled Hearing-Impaired

Online Culture

a) Online Persona
b) Relationships
c) MUDS

To print the information above as a Microsoft Word document, click this link.

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