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

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

• Mark Sena
• Xavier University
• sena_at_xavier.edu

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Background About XUs 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

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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.

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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.

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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

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Future of Distance Learning at XU

• Extend to undergraduate courses?
• Enhance functionality voice, video, pod-casting?
• Executive eduction?
• Other ideas?

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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?