Innovation in construction education: The role of culture in e-learning

Abstract

The effectiveness of e-learning depends on technological support, institutional culture, staff development and students' receptivity and learning behaviours. The relationship of e-learning culture and the issues of crosscultural delivery is important when learners expect online interactivity. Positive learning outcomes and academic achievement are not linked only to online course communication. Students' learning behaviours also play a role in the overall success of e-learning implementation. Successful online delivery requires shifts, both in understanding and in behaviours, for the change in pedagogical curriculum development. This article proposes a research framework to investigate the current e-learning diffusion in construction-related programmes in UK's higher education and the effect of organizational (and/or national) culture on students' learning behaviours and e-learning effectiveness. © 2010 Earthscan ISSN.