Introduction



 **Introduction**  Previous learning experiences, ways of thinking, acting and feeling, are all aspects of educational culture. These will impact on educational practices, how students view knowledge and how students will learn. Laurillard (2002) stresses the importance for teachers to understand this otherwise learning will be “like building on sand” (p. 36). This topic has been selected due to the personal relevance for the contributors of the wiki: two have worked with Japanese students and all have experienced eLearning within the New Zealand environment. To deliver successful eLearning we need to be aware of students’ educational culture so that we can adjust the delivery of courses according to those cultures and ensure ‘best practice’. For each country a brief outline of the development of eLearning will be given as background information. A generalisation of the predominant educational cultural practices and philosophy that informs learning in Japan and New Zealand tertiary sectors will then be briefly described to provide a context of understanding for the reader. The creators of this wiki are aware that other factors such as personality and age will also impact on learning styles. The authors will only focus on the generalised educational culture of the majority group in each country. Having identified a generalisation of the predominant educational culture of Japanese and New Zealand students, the authors will then provide implications of the educational cultural differences and identify the best practice for delivering eLearning for each educational culture to enable further development in Japanese and New Zealand tertiary institutions. You are more than welcome, and encouraged, to add to this ‘snapshot’ of knowledge through the discussion forums.