While such challenges would be present in any classroom that combines individuals from
varying cultural backgrounds, the additional challenges presented by distance learning
present an extra layer. Chen, Mashadi, Ang, and Harkrider (1999) claimed that even if one
overcomes the instructional design-related issues of distance learning, the value of learning
mainly depends on the learner’s experiences of cultures and technology. Instructional
designers must factor in these differences when designing instruction for a diverse learner
population to reduce the impact of cultural barriers on effective learning. In addition, instructional
designers have to be cognizant of their own predispositions based on worldviews.