WEB 2.0-BASED LEARNING AND THE CHALLENGES OF CULTURE SHOCK AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN CYPRUS

Isyaku Hassan; Musa  Barau Gamji; Qaribu  Yahaya Nasidi; Mohd Nazri Latiff Azmi

doi:10.37231/apj.2021.4.1.257

Isyaku Hassan Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kampus Gong Badak, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
Musa Barau Gamji Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
Qaribu Yahaya Nasidi Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria
Mohd Nazri Latiff Azmi Faculty of Languages and Communication, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kampus Gong Badak, 21300 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2021.4.1.257

Abstract

With the emergence of new communication technologies, learning has been transformed digitally through Web 2.0 tools, in which digital devices are used to blend the learning system. Some students of tertiary institutions, especially international students who migrate to study out of their community or country, have different cultures of learning, thereby lacking skills and awareness on how to use the new learning system. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the use of web 2.0-based learning facilities and culture shock among international students at the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), North Cyprus. The data were collected from a purposive sample of 15 Nigerian students using a semi-structured interview as a data collection instrument. The data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The study reveals that even though some Nigerian students face difficulties in managing Web2.0-based learning facilities like student portal and Moodle, their computer literacy helped them from the initial stage. The findings also indicate that some participants suggest adequate orientation to be organized for international students on the use of learning facilities in the institution. The study suggests that there is a need for further research on digital learning culture from the African perspective.

Keywords: Culture shock, international students, digital learning, Web 2.0 tools

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