Intercultural Implications of Global Learning Networks (GLNs)

研究論文ArticleIncreasing interactivity among people and nations, made possible by rapid developments in ICTs, has led global learning networks to become indispensable parts of our lives. These multicultural common platforms create very effective and democratic learning environments in diverse societies having different cultural values, beliefs and perceptions. On the other hand, some people consider them as instruments of disseminating the values and discourses of a dominant culture; moreover, teaching approaches insensitive to diverse cultures may harm local values, causing misunderstandings and cultural degeneration. This paper discusses, based on the research by the first author during his one-year stay in Japan and joint research activities conducted by the co-author and his overseas colleagues in the past years, that the societal and cultural differences among individuals and societies in terms of cultural values, learning processes, communication behaviors and the use of technology should be taken into consideration in global learning networks. Along with the individual responsibilities of constituent organizations functioning on the learning network, there should be well-built coordination and cooperation among all concerned parties such as education providers, national regulatory bodies for global learning networks to be ethically and culturally sensitive - avoiding misunderstandings - and beneficial for both learners and societies