Asia EdNet Tutorial - Module 4

Keeping in touch - Using the Internet for communication

Issues about communication with schools in Asia

Communication issues
Task 2 - Dealing with some communication issues

Acceptable use policies

There is a range of issues which must be considered before attempting to communicate with teachers and students in Asia. Some relate to cross-cultural issues, and some are more practical, but all can affect the outcomes of your communications.

Communication issues

Some of the issues which should be considered, and which are discussed in more detail below, include:

• Language
• Country-specific background knowledge
• Cultural sensitivity
• Personal contacts and teacher collaboration
• Non-Internet communication
• Curriculum priorities
• Time zones and school calendars
• Available technology/infrastructure

You may not be sure at this point exactly how these issues might relate to communicating on the Internet. However, it is important to consider these issues and discuss them at the outset because they are fundamental to all your communications with teachers and students in the countries of Asia. They are relevant to both basic communication (Module 4) and collaborative projects (Module 5).

 A print version of the following points is available.

Language

It is essential that Australian teachers and students know something about the languages spoken by their Asian counterparts. English is not the first language of most people in the Asian region but it is usually the medium of the Internet. Some schools in Asia use English as the medium of instruction but the majority don't.

This means that messages sent in English usually need to be translated on arrival. As you can imagine, this can be quite a time-consuming and onerous task and Australian students and teachers must understand the reason for any perceived 'delays'.

It also means that it is important not to use colloquialisms and slang, as these are not likely to be understood. Nor should references be made to things that might not be universally recognised, for example, local television programs or identities, without explaining what or who they are.

Be careful of the way the significance of some words can change when they are translated into other languages. For example, it is said that a large Australian company nearly lost a multi-million dollar contract in China because the contract had too many fours in it. The company was unaware that 'four' sounds like a Chinese word for 'death'. 'Eight', on the other hand, sounds like prosperity and wealth.

 For other advice about sending email messages to partners whose first language is not English, follow this link.

Country-specific background knowledge

Students in Australia and the countries of Asia may initially know little of each others' countries and cultures. Sound practice indicates that they should have some basic knowledge before communication begins.

This could involve research using the Internet or using print sources, such as the Access Asia series (http://www.curriculumpress.edu.au).

Cultural sensitivity

It is important to be sensitive to cultural differences. The example (above) about the Australian company operating in China is an example of cultural insensitivity (or just lack of knowledge).

The point to be made is that, as far as possible, communication with teachers and students in Asia should be informed by cultural knowledge about them. Sometimes it is possible to involve the local Asian-Australian community to assist but, at other times, Australian schools need to learn about cultural aspects themselves. Asian schools, likewise, also need to learn about Australia.

Again, a little research and learning before communication begins can be vital.

If in doubt, err towards formality rather than informality. In many countries of Asia, status (measured by age, job, marital status, having children and so on) is very important and those considered to be of a higher status expect to be treated more formally by someone of lower status. That said, foreigners are usually not expected to know much about status issues and so are often given a great deal of leeway in these matters.

Personal contacts and teacher collaboration

Often, a personal contact assists greatly in the success of a collaborative project. The personal contact can arise through such things as sister-school (or sister-city) relationships, travel opportunities, study tours or through mailing lists.

If teachers at both ends of the collaborative link are committed and enthusiastic, this is likely to spread to the students as well. Teacher collaboration is also important in ensuring that project guidelines are followed and timelines adhered to.

Non-Internet communication

Using the Internet is often a good medium for communication, but it is not the only one and it is not always the best one. Sometimes, a phone call or a fax message is more appropriate. Sometimes there are things (such as soft toys or pieces of craft work) which can only be sent by 'snail mail'.

As always, it is important to choose the best method of communication for a particular purpose.

Curriculum priorities

Countries in Asia have centralised education systems which usually require adherence to a national curriculum with relatively little leeway for alternate classroom activities. The school curriculum tends to be geared towards an examination system.

This may mean that teachers and students in Asia would need to undertake communication projects in their own time or in very limited class time, which could contribute to delays in responding.

Time zones and school calendars

Don't forget to take into account different time zones. Schools in Asia are also likely to have different times of student attendance during the day and different calendars for term time and holiday time.

It is also important to note the different religious and national holidays observed in each country in the Asian region. Good diaries often provide a listing of these.

Access to technology/infrastructure

Schools in Asia and Australia may not have the same level of access to computer technology as each other. Sometimes computers are in classrooms, sometimes they are in laboratories. Sometimes student access is very restricted. Sometimes there are computer incompatibilities. Sometimes email links can fail or email addresses can change.

Sometimes, government action can affect projects. For example, some governments are concerned about issues of acceptable content, particularly for young people, and therefore may limit access to the Internet.

(Much of the above is derived from the AEF/I#EARN Handbook (1995) and other documents arising from AEF/I#EARN projects.)

Task 2 - Dealing with some communication issues 

Imagine that you and your class have the opportunity to communicate with a class in South Korea. Make a brief note about a way you might deal with each of the following:

• Most of your class has only the vaguest notion about the location of South Korea.
  
• Your partner school in South Korea has only one teacher of English and she is only available to translate for an hour each week.
  
• Some students at your partner school believe that kangaroos live in the middle of Sydney.
  
• The email address you have for your partner school only seems to work now and then.
  
• Your students complain because they do not receive replies to their messages for two weeks.S

 These scenarios are also available in a print version.

Here are some examples of some emails and a letter exchanged between Korean teachers and an Australian teacher. (All personal details have been changed.)

 An Australian teacher's experiences (http://www.eddept.wa.edu.au/tisp/RobynCain.htm - Robyn Cain)

Acceptable use policies

Acceptable use policies (AUPs) are written guidelines for the appropriate use of computer networks in schools. They are generally signed by students and their parents/guardians to signify their acceptance of these conditions of use. Your school will probably already have an Acceptable use policy in relation to student use of the Internet.  If it does not, or if you require further information about the subject, here are some useful links.