The design of multimedia blended e-learning systems: Cultural considerations

New technology has been used inside and outside the classroom to enhance student learning. The transition from traditional learning systems, to multimedia based e-learning systems, urge designers to consider human-factor issues to increase usability. Blended learning has been defined as the combination of characteristics from both traditional learning and e-learning environments. Blended e-learning is becoming an educational issue especially with the new development of e-learning technology and globalization. Educators ask the question: can we design these systems to accommodate different cultural groups and various learning strategies. This paper addresses some design issues when selecting a blended e-learning approach; it discusses some cultural elements that affect the design of blended e-learning. The paper also emphasizes on the importance of cultural learning objects (CLO) and its role in the design of multimedia-based e-learning systems.