E-Learning, Engineering and Learners of African Descent: A Needs Analysis

Abstract

The rapid growth and short history of e-Learning technologies and the desire to see these technologies integrated into the learning process have caused a lack of specific guidance and firm foundation of principles on which to base instructional choices. Lessons cultivated in the Learning Sciences about the cultural influences of learning provide a foundation for the development of e-Learning resources. A clear understanding of the cultural impacts on e-Learning resource appropriation is necessary to direct research and to provide designers with clear guidelines for instructional design for distance education. The purpose of this research is to determine how e-Learning can be appropriately designed to cultivate the learning process and abet the retention of engineering students of African descent.