Cultural differences and technology mediated learning In Europe, there has been a great deal of research and development conducted to identify barriers to the uptake of software and educational products that are designed in one context and used in another. The general conclusion reached is that the less structured or didactic the program the more useable it is in other contexts. However, such explorative from of learning tools and multimedia re complex to design, yet the solution seem to be to achieve a balance between structured and semi structured software and materials. Verbal communication refers to both spoken and written language, not only the words, but the nuances of words as well. Communication issues are major challenges to Web site designers.
Language is the most obvious obstacle for cross-cultural instruction.
Some cultures take offence at brief exchanges using short sentences or declarative language. They may require more polite or more indirect interactions. Direct or corrective feedback may similarly embarrass some users. To be truly effective, Web designers must be willing to adapt their materials to other cultural and linguistic conventions. Keep language simple and active.