It's About Understanding Each Other's Culture – Improving the Outcomes of Mobile Learning by Avoiding Culture Conflicts

Abstract

Mobile learning enables learners to integrate learning activities into daily routines. Information systems research emphasizes that technology-mediated learning (TML) has to be adapted to cultural differences. Integrating a mobile learning application into a new context can cause conflicts as values embedded in the mobile learning application can conflict with values of the context in which it is introduced. With this paper, we propose a theory-driven design approach to avoid culture conflicts in mobile learning. Based on the implementation of a mobile learning application in Chinese vocational schools, we derive requirements from IT-culture conflict theory as well as practice, which are addressed with design elements and implemented in the application. Our results show that cultural adaptation leads to improved cognitive learning outcomes. As a practical contribution, we provide guidance on how to overcome culture conflicts; as a theoretical contribution, we contribute to the exploration of culture in the usage of TML.

Keywords: mobile learning application, design, science research, IT-culture conflict, learning outcomes