This last week I was a co-discussant on the IT Forum with Dr. Andy Gibbons (see http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/index.html). Our paper that was discussed on the list serve through the week dealt with design languages and layers (see http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/paper94/Paper94.html), but as a side benefit to a discussion over the current practice of instructional design, some people shared some really good resources that also dealt with the cultural dimension to what we do.

One of the best resources was shared by Miram Larson. I have attached part of her email below. I think you will enjoy it.
“I am reminded of an article by Thomas, Mitchell & Joseph (2002), that relates to the need for a reflective dimension to IDT practice. Thomas, et al. (2002) commented that others had proposed adding an iterative approach to the traditional ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate) instructional design model, and they further proposed that a cultural dimension be added. This cultural dimension would have three parameters: intention, interaction, and introspection. The intentional attribute of learning would be encouraged through reflection to make sure the designer is considering and making their cultural bias explicit. The interaction parameter would involve the collaboration of designer, subject matter expert (SME), and end user throughout the model phases to facilitate the melding of culture into the end product. Finally, introspection on the part of designer ensures that he or she is considering his or her own thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, desires and feelings toward the cultures represented in the instruction. I believe such practices could form a foundation for ensuring that an IDT professional’s “heart” is in the right place with respect to the learner.”

Reference:

Thomas, M., Mitchell, M., & Joseph, R. (2002). The third dimension of ADDIE: A cultural embrace. TechTrends, 46(2), 40-45.