Human Activity Systems: A Theoretical Framework for Designing Learning for Multicultural Settings

In the analysis of any learning environment, whether small or large, one observes within it a "set of human activities related to each other so they can be viewed as a whole" (Checkland, 1981, p.47). If one particularly focuses on large technologically driven learning environments, and then considers the many layers of complexity comprising the human activity systems within them, it becomes apparent that one of these layers, or subsystems, is a cultural one. This paper proposes that the perspective gained on the impact of culture in such a system by the application of Kline's (1995) systems theory, augmented by perspectives supplied by world view theory, is helpful in designing appropriate learning environments for multicultural settings. Keywords Culture impact, Human activity system, Learning environment

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: ETS
• Authors: Jill Slay
• Keywords: ETS 2002, Hardware, Human Activity, Human Activity Systems, Learning Environments