"Increasing Multicultural Awareness Using the INTERNET"
copyright Floyd H. Johnson, 1995
Presenters:
- Floyd Johnson
- Assistant Professor Computer Science
- Northwestern College
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ABSTRACT
This paper reviews the use of the INTERNET as a tool for
increasing multicultural awareness. The paper describes a project
used in a Computer Science service course. The project allowed
students to explore the use and effects of computers and information
technology within other cultures. The paper discusses the
motivation for the project and the anticipated goals. The project
itself is described along with a list of tools appropriate for
completing multicultural projects on the INTERNET. The paper
discusses the effectiveness of using the INTERNET for multicultural
research based on this project. Suggestions for improving the
project are also provided. A brief bibliography and list of
resources is included.
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INTRODUCTION
The project described in this poster has been developed
over the past two school years. In its initial form the project was
designed to use traditional sources available through the campus
library to answer questions concerning the effect of computer and
information technology on other cultures.
Two grants allowed expansion of the project using the INTERNET:
- Multicultural Education Award", Northwestern College.
- West Iowa Telephone Company provided a local telephone number
at no charge for access to an Internet Service Provider.
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THE ASSIGNMENT
Students were provided a list of 30 countries. They
were free to choose other countries in which they had a personal
interest. From this list students selected a single country to
study.
The project required students to answer seven question focusing on
the use of computers in other countries and cultures.
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COUNTRIES STUDIED
| Argentina |
Australia |
Bangladesh |
| Brazil |
China |
Columbia |
| Egypt |
Ethiopia |
France |
| Germany |
India |
Indonesia |
| Iran |
Iraq (tough) |
Mexico |
| Nigeria |
Pakistan |
Philippines |
| Poland |
Romaniz |
Russia |
| South Africa |
South Korea |
Spain |
| Sudan (tough) |
Thailand |
Turkey |
| Ukraine (tough) |
Vietnam |
Zaire |
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QUESTIONS ASKED
- To what extent has computer technology impacted the country?
- What industries are using computer technology?
- Who has control of computer technology?
- Who has access to computer technology?
- Are there large segments of the population that do not have access
to technology? If so, what prevents them from having access?
- To what extent has the country's growth been aided or impeded or
impeded by the presence or absence of computer technology?
- Are there plans for increasing computer access within the country
in the future?
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INTERNET Tools Used
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CONCLUSION
The project was successful. Students were able to locate
information for most countries, though countries in the Middle East
provided the greatest challenge. Interestingly, for at least two
countries, Spain and Italy, the INTERNET provided a great deal more
useful information than was located using traditional sources. For
the majority of countries examined, however, the INTERNET provided
information that would be used in conjunction with resources from
more traditional sources.