Cross-Cultural Issues for Asian e-Learners: An Analysis Based on Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions

When instruction is to be delivered by any medium, whether in a traditional e-learning mode or through the use of a blended learning model, cross-cultural issues have a major impact. This paper focuses on the cultural characteristics of Asian e-learners and uses Hofstede’s cultural dimensions as the basis for the analysis. Asian learners face some clearly identified challenges. For example, in a typical classroom, where interactivity is the norm, an Asian learner may have a difficult time overcoming his or her traditional role as a respectful listener. In a blended learning environment, Asian learners may need to adapt to the concept of computer-aided instruction or learning online while they face the challenges of learning how to cope in a classroom situation that may be quite different from what they are used to.