Between ideal and reality: A different view on online-learning interaction in a cross-national context. Issue 1 (8th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yoo, Sungae; Jeong Kim, Hye; Young Kwon, So
• Is Part Of: Journal for multicultural education. Volume 8:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 13
• Page End: 30
• Publication Date: 2014-04-08
• Subjects: Interaction -- Cross-national study -- Online learning; Multicultural education -- Periodicals; 370.11705
• DOI: 10.1108/JME-04-2013-0018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-535X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this study is to examine similar and/or different perspectives on, and practices of online-learning interaction as projected by the participating educators who are from either Korea or the USA. Design/methodology/approach: – In this study, the authors analyzed how college instructors from two countries, Korea and the USA, consider the role of online-learning interaction in their students' learning by interviewing nine instructors from both countries. The authors examined the educators' responses using constructivism and Confucianism as the frame of reference. Findings: – The analysis showed that the US instructors tend to focus on learner-to-learner interaction, whereas Korean instructors emphasized teacher-to-learner interaction. Korean instructors perceived a gap between ideal and reality in integrating interaction as a part of online activities in the course. Originality/value: – This study focuses on a cross-national comparison of online-learning interaction between Korea and the USA. Thus, it will provide practical ideas for global or multicultural user experiences on online-learning courses.