Computer Aided Cultural Education
Mrs.I.SHEELADEVI,
Assistant Professor in BCA Department,
S.B.K.College, Aruppukottai,
i.sheeladevi@gmail.com
Abstract
Culture is an important concept, upon which the lives of the individuals are based upon. In educational institutions as well as within employment settings, individuals do have to work with individuals, belonging to different cultures. It is important for them to form constructive viewpoints and possess an adjustable nature. When understanding cultural education, the individuals need to understand, how cultural education should prove to be beneficial to them in enriching their lives and achieving professional and personal goals (Basis for Cultural Education, 2017). Cultural education facilitates in the development of skills and abilities, as these are necessary for the individuals to carry out various tasks and activities. Cultural education promotes historical awareness, contributes to the formation of the individual’s identity and encourages creative and inquisitive attitudes that benefits the individuals throughout their lives.
Keywords: Cultural Education, Collectivist Perspective, Individuals, Individualist Perspective, Knowledge
- Benefits and Advantages of Technologies are the following:
- Reaching learners outside of classrooms.
- .Using learning time efficiently.
- Sustaining motivation.
- .Individualizing instruction.
- .Providing access to information tools.
Cultures and Computers
Research into social aspects has shown (HCI [54] ) that even computer-literate users tend to use social rules and display social behavior in routine interactions with computers. Social interaction is strongly grounded in culture as every person carries within himself/herself patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving and potential interacting. Much of this is learned during development processes in the childhood. As soon as certain patterns of thinking, feeling and acting have established themselves within a person’s mind they reside there awaiting activation or inhibition in appropriate situations. To learn new patterns of thinking, feeling and acting one has to unlearn the old patterns, which is more difficult than learning them in the first place for the first time (Hofstede’s [27].)
[27] Hofstede, G. Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind, Intercultural Cooperation and its Importance for Survival. McGraw-Hill, 1997
[54] Reeves, B. and Nass, C. The media equation: how people treat computers, television, and new media like real people and places. Cambridge University Press New York, NY, USA, 1996
World Wide Web
To identify how cultural characteristics influence people’s interaction with products and to evaluate using the WWW as tool for multicultural study (K-P. Lee [38]). The difference in the cultural characteristics of users accounted for the differences in their interaction styles. The international differences and effect of high-end graphical enhancements on the perceived usability of World Wide Web. Preliminary findings from the exploratory study (Sears et al [57]) confirm that contextual clues and cultural markers in website design influence usability and there is a need for integrated localization.
[38] Lee, K.-P. A Study on the Cultural Effects on User Interface Design, 2004.
[57] Sears, A., Jacko, J.A. and Dubach, E.M. International Aspects of World Wide Web Usability and the Role of High-End Graphical Enhancements. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 12 (2).241-261
Computer Supported Cooperative Work
The experimental groups homogenous and heterogeneous cultural backgrounds had different perceptions of the study task (Olson [53]). They also report that even though cultural differences were reduced in the computer-mediated communication condition of instant messaging (IM) they were not eliminated. The heterogeneous experimental groups achieved greater
consensus using asynchronous group support systems (GSS).
[53] Olson, J.S. and Olson, G.M. Culture Surprises in Remote Software Development Teams. Queue,, 1 (9). 52 – 59.
Modern technology in education
According to the latest insights as to how exactly modern students of today prefer to use technology and how does their learning get an impact if they use technology, it was revealed that the use of modern equipment technology and tools, the learning and interactivity of students increases. They also find it much more interactive, as well as full of interesting areas, when aided by technology. The transfer of knowledge becomes very easy and convenient, as well as effective. What this means is, that our minds now tend to work faster when assisted with the use of modern technology, be it any part of life, here we talk about education. The reliance and dependence of such an innovation, that simply makes life an easy, smooth journey is completely unavoidable these days even in schools, universities and colleges.
Students today can make use of technology in the following ways:
Internet connection and round the clock connectivity
The internet has grown in importance by many folds, over the process of decade. Its importance in the education world can now never be undermined. Despite the chances of
fraud and drawbacks, the use of the internet is like a blessing for students. Today, the internet is something that is present in almost everything we use. From television to gaming consoles, and our phones, the internet is literally everywhere. The use of the internet allows students to find amazing convenience, they can find various kinds of help, tutorials and other kinds of assisting material which could be used to academically improve and enhance their learning (Beringer, V. (2009, October 20)).
Using projectors and visuals
Visual images always have a strong appeal compared to words. Using projectors an visuals to aid in learning is another form of great technological use. Top institutions around the world, now rely on the use of amazing PowerPoint presentations and projections in order to keep the learning interactive and interesting. Technological use such as projectors within the schools and colleges can take the interaction and interest levels right up and also improve
motivation. Students like to see appealing visuals and something that entices them to think rather than just reading words. The learning part also becomes pretty efficient when it comes to technology (Bounds, G. ( 2010, October 5)).
Digital footprint in the education sector
If we talk about digital and education, then the penetration of digital media within the education sector has now grown. This penetration has resulted in round the clock connectivity with students and different forums that are available for different kinds of assignments or help. As the power of digital increases, there are and there will be more
applications that will assist students in development and learning (Brill, J. M., & Galloway, C. (2007)).
Online degrees with the use of technology
Online degrees now have become a very common phenomenon (Grégoire et al., 1996).. People wish to take up online courses for their learning and certifications. Top institutions offer amazing online programs with the use of various applications and the internet. This is a concept that will continue to rise as it gets more support and awareness. The online degree scenario around the world is more famous among students who work and look for flexible studying programs (Panitz, 1996)..
Conclusion
Technology has a positive impact on education and at the same time may also pose negative effects. Teachers and students should take advantage of this in the good light and
eliminate the drawbacks which are pulling back many of students as well as schools from achieving excellence. It is thus time for every country to introduce a more technologically equipped education sector in the future