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The Benefits and Drawbacks of Distance Learning Courses in Traditional MBA Programs

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Distance Learning Courses in Traditional MBA Programs. Mark Sena Xavier University sena@xavier.edu. Background: About XU’s MBA. MBA program ranked in top 25 nationally! Predominantly part-time, working professionals Very large program: 800+ students

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The Benefits and Drawbacks of Distance Learning Courses in Traditional MBA Programs

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  1. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Distance Learning Courses in Traditional MBA Programs Mark Sena Xavier University sena@xavier.edu

  2. Background: About XU’s MBA • MBA program ranked in top 25 nationally! • Predominantly part-time, working professionals • Very large program: 800+ students • Largest in Ohio • Began offering distance learning courses appx. 5 years ago • Initiated by offering summer grants to faculty to develop online offering of existing courses

  3. Success of Distance Learning at XU • Assessment of online courses reveals overall success • Student demand very strong • Online courses among first to fill during registration • Instructor evaluations strong in INFO dept. • Most students and instructors seem to enjoy the experience • Most courses include interactive (online meetings) components.

  4. Problems Encountered in Distance Learning at XU • Little or no administrative oversight of distance learning • Lack of technical assistance from university IT dept • Blackboard issues!!!! • Poor online meeting functionality • Lack of support for voice, video, etc., • Unstable server environment: online meetings and exams, in particular • Difficulty with pop-up blockers, firewalls, java.

  5. Sample Features of my Online Course • Prior to class, student reads extended FAQ web page outlining technical, administrative issues • http://staff.xu.edu/~sena/FAQ.htm • Students have weekly online meeting lasting 1.5 hours • Discussion Forums required • Online Exam • Research paper, assignments

  6. Future of Distance Learning at XU • Extend to undergraduate courses? • Enhance functionality: voice, video, pod-casting? • Executive eduction? • Other ideas?

  7. Impact on CJBE • Potential to share ideas, trends in distance learning • Share resources: distance learning networks, software, tools • Cross list courses • Jointly examine impact on Jesuit principles • To what extent are we able to uphold effectiveness of teaching Jesuit ideals in online evironment?

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