Content adaptation in elearning intercultural issues

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Content adaptation in e-learning
intercultural issues
Barbara Brunner, brain-tec
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My Input

• Short introduction / Why adaptations?
• The adapted courses
• From a German course to a Swiss course
• Conclusions

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Personal Information

• Barbara Brunner
• Project Manager at brain-tec (Brig,
  Switzerland)
• brain-tec
• Spin off of the Distance University and the
  Distance University of applied sciences
• Specialist in e-learning, from the creation of
  content to the distribution of it
• Working with partners all around Europe
  (especially Germany, Austria, Sweden)

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Introduction

• Why adapt a course (from German language to
  German language)?
• Switzerland small, multi-cultural, neutral
• Research results of Edith Denman-Maier in
  e-learning, professional aspects are stronger
  than cultural ones. But what about heterogenous
  groups (people with different professions?)

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The Courses

• Teledozent Online Introduction into the
  methodological and didactical issues of
  e-learning (40 h, online, 4 moduls plus
  certification (20h))
• Project management online Introduction into
  project management, basics (60 h, online, 14
  moduls)
• Analysis with 45 teachers of the university of
  applied sciences (Switzerland).

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Creating a Swiss course

• Adaptations
• Mode of expression e.g. Arbeitsentgeld Lohn
• Spelling e.g. ß ss
• Gender-Equality e.g. Mitarbeiter
  Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter
• Length of sentences
• Currency Euro Swiss francs
• Names e.g. Mister Markwardt Mister Müller
• Further information e.g. Swiss literature,
  Internet-links (.ch)
• Geografics e.g. Tegernsee Thunersee

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Others adaptations

• Technical adaptations (Learning plattform)
• Structure
• Changes and news in ICT
• Certificate of the distance university of
  applied sciences

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Conclusions

• Heterogenous group of participants gt
  adaptations are necessary for the identification
  with the course.
• Time to make cultural adaptations 10-20 of
  time.
• Is it worth it? In our opinion, it is! Whats
  your opinion?