International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 1, No. 1 (2005)

A culture-based model for strategic implementation of virtual education delivery

Janice M Burn, Edith Cowan University, Australia
Nalinee Thongprasert, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Abstract
Increasingly, universities worldwide are shifting towards Virtual Education Delivery (VED) using information and communication technology to facilitate knowledge sharing and to gain competitive advantage. Little however is known about the way in which different societal cultures will adapt to the use of online instruction both from the teaching and learning communities. This study was designed to examine the critical success factors for implementing VEDs in Thailand, and to identify ways to facilitate such adoption and lead to effective outcomes. The study incorporated an analysis of three specific factors related to Thai culture: high power distance "Bhun Khun", uncertainty avoidance "Kreng Jai" and, collectivism "Kam Lang Jai". This paper reviews the development of the research framework, describes the conceptual underpinning of the cultural model and presents the findings of the study. Implications for worldwide VED are highlighted and future research possibilities explored.

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