Cultural Diversity in Online Learning: Perceptions of Minority Graduate Students

• In Event: 51.066 - Supporting Online Student Success for All

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions of minority graduate students about cultural diversity and the challenges they face in online learning environments. Thirty-five minority graduate students enrolled in online graduate programs in education in Southwestern United States participated in the study. A qualitative research design using interviews, and observations was used to collect and analyze the data. Findings revealed four themes (a) the need to recognize and use multicultural resources for knowledge building in the online learning environment, (b) the need for more diversity inclusion in online learning, (c) collaborative learning activities as effective instructional strategy to promote cultural diversity in online environments, and (d) the lack of multicultural contents, communications, language barriers, and culturally relevant activities hinder online learning.

Authors

• James Dogbey, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

• Alex Kumi-Yeboah, University at Albany - SUNY

• Guangji Yuan, SUNY - ALBANY