Cross-cultural differences in computer use, computer attitudes and cognitive style between UK and Chinese students

It is possible that e-learning systems may be used differently by different cultural groups and, it is important to investigate cross-cultural differences as a means of informing instructional design. This study investigates differences in approaches to using computers between British and Chinese students and also investigates whether this is related to cognitive style and attitudes toward computers between the two groups. 170 undergraduate students completed a cognitive styles questionnaire, a computer attitude scale, and also a questionnaire on their knowledge of the internet The results showed differences in the behavioural attitude component and nationality. Furthermore there was a difference in self-reported internet use between the groups. Nationality also interacted with age on the total attitude scores. The results are discussed in terms of the implications of this research for the design of e-learning systems.