Abstract:

When using the Internet, E-Learning can be provided in internationally diverse settings. However, according to an expertstudy we conducted in September 2010, participation in E-Learning courses in Germany, Austria and Switzerland mostly is limited to national (local) learners. The organizations argued that truly international settings are not sufficiently understood to be coped with, particularly because of intercultural challenges. In this paper, cultural challenges of collaborative work in international E-Learning scenarios are focused on. First, the general background is introduced. Sequently, culture- related challenges for group-work are discussed, based on our survey on culturally motivated attitudes of learners. The survey has been conducted in the period from August 2010 to February 2011, involving university students in Germany and South-Korea. Finally, possible solutions are proposed.