What is Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)

Due to the increasingly multicultural nature of online learning environments, it is crucial that instructors and instructional designers be aware of the importance of cultural factors in online teaching and learning. This chapter examines current educational and strategic studies of cross-cultural distance learning based on a review of scholarly publications, and helps readers develop an up-to-date understanding of the issues as well as challenges pertinent to cross-cultural online teaching and learning. In addition to reviewing the notion of cultural differences, the chapter seeks to provide instructional strategies that incorporate multicultural experience in designing online teaching or training. The chapter can help extend readers' knowledge and understanding of cross-cultural perspectives, influence of cultural differences on learning, and implications for designing cross-cultural distance learning.