ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the impact of culture in relation to the design and delivery of distance education for colleges and universities. Convenient and flexible access to education in an electronically connected interdependent world drives the need to assure quality and accessibility for culturally diverse students. Consequently, assuring quality of education for culturally diverse learners is an ethical, educational, and economic necessity for online distance-education programs and institutions. Regardless of the language of instruction, online course design should take into account the needs of second-language learners. In Western countries, modeling one’s work on that of an authority is considered plagiarism, whereas such practice is perceived as appropriate and has been a well-established method of studying and demonstrating respect in many Asian countries. Learners from a myriad of educational traditions and culturally influenced expectations are increasingly participating in online higher education courses. The chapter offers research-based practical strategies and recommendations for addressing cultural inclusion.
