Cross cultural comparison: the introduction of new technology with post-graduate students in Hong Kong and in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Helen Boulton, Nottingham Trent University.
2014
Abstract:
This project focuses on the development of an existing virtual learning environment (VLE) within a Professional Doctorate course delivered in the United Kingdom (UK) and Hong Kong (HK). The universities involved are Nottingham Trent University (NTU), teh course provider (55 students), and Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT), where the course had been delivered for 2 years (30 students) prior to the start of the project. The project sought to evaluate the implementation, and analyse the potential benefits and challenges of introducing a western based tool, the VLE, into an international context where English may not be the first language and where there may be a different culture of learning and pedagogy. The project identified key considerations for Higher Education in developing VLEs in the West for use with transnational courses in the East. A key outcome of the project was the creation of a wiki and blog to provide further support and learning opportunity for students in Hong Kong and the UK; the wiki has engendered a robust research environment with students in both countries working together to co-construct new knowledge at doctoral level.