Do Online Learning Tools have the Same Influence on Learning between Different Cultural Groups?

Australian higher education in terms of numbers of students has expanded rapidly since the 1980’s reforms. A key characteristic of this expansion has been the disproportionate increase in students from overseas (typically English as second language backgrounds). In addition to this expansion and partly as a response to the huge increases in student numbers, many Australian universities have introduced online learning tools on dedicated course websites. Some of these tools include online materials (lectures-slides, audio and video, tutorials, solutions etc), self assessment tests, discussion boards, mail facilities, chat rooms and relevant external site links. Although there has been research on the difference in learning between cultural groups and some research on the effectiveness of online tools on learning outcomes there is very little research on the effectiveness of online tools between different cultural groups. Cultural background and learning styles may influence the effectiveness of online tools leading to a possible distortion of student learning. Since online materials and tools are becoming an ever increasing part of teaching and learning strategies, it is important that teachers understand if usage differs among different groups, which specific tools are being used differently and whether the effectiveness of these tools is similar between groups. Data from a few business related courses at an Australian university has been collected and student online activity and student learning and performance outcomes have been measured. Using regression and logistic regression analysis of the relevant online usage and performance data, preliminary results seem to indicate a difference in usage and effectiveness of online tools among different cultural groups. The findings may be useful as decision input into evaluations of teaching and learning strategies and removing learning biases to ensure a level playing field between various cultural groups.