EXAMINING THE CULTURAL ASPECTS OF ONLINE EDUCATION FROM THE VIEWS OF BOTH STUDENTS AND FACULTY IN CHINESE AND FLEMISH UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Considering the examination of online education from the viewpoints of students in Chinese universities, the present research aimed to understand the cultural aspects at play. Examining the ways in which cultural norms shaped the acceptance, execution, and results of online education was the primary goal of this study. Using a quantitative study approach, data were gathered from students and teachers at various universities through the distribution of structured questionnaires. Various cultural aspects significantly influenced distance learning approaches, according to the results. Students’ evaluations indicated that their participation in digital learning was affected by their dependency on instructor competence and organised instruction, which offered transparency but restricted autonomy and critical thinking. Particularly when trying to encourage free speech and originality, educators found it challenging to adjust to the participatory, student-oriented methods used in online environments. In addition to this, the cultural reliance on learning as a path to social development and the collectivism ideals that underpinned it promoted active engagement and learning among peers. Differences between pupils in urban and rural areas, however, demonstrated the impact of uneven accessibility to technology. According to the research's findings, culturally appropriate techniques that value convention while encouraging creativity are crucial for online education to thrive in China. It has been found that there is an important impact of online learning setting on different Chinese universities. Teachers' professional growth, expenditure on technological infrastructure, and the incorporation of collaborating instruments were the main points of the suggestions. To create accessible, efficient and sustaining online education consequences, Chinese universities had the opportunity to more effectively combine technologies with their cultural context.