On-Line MBA Programs

[Julie V. Katz]

According to Richard Alonso:
>
> I recently received information on the Univ. of Phoenix on-line MBA
> program. It is a 2 year program, where assignments are posted on a
> bulletin board and students download the information, work at home, then
> upload their work back to the board. There is opportunity for discussion
> as well, through the board. It sounds interesting. It is an accredited
> program.
>
> I would be interested in any opinions about such a program. Has anyone on
> the net been enrolled in such a program? Would the MBA degree be viewed
> somewhat differently because it was not in a traditional classroom setting
> (i.e. carry less weight than an MBA earned through classroom instruction...
> or does it matter)? All opinions would be welcomed. Thanks. -Richard
>

TO: Multiple Users of MBA-L
FROM: jvk...@ccat.upenn edu
Julie Katz
RE: On-Line MBA programs

I would be interested to learn more about this program as well as any
other similar programs. I would also like response on what current MBA
students think about the lack of a "live" classroom setting. Do you
think student-student, student-professor contact is an essential part of
MBA programs. I know that many classes require teams or groups to work
on all of the assignments. Is this a loss or does it not matter that one
would be working alone in enrolling in an on-line program?

Please respond to let me know of your thoughts on the Phoenix on-line
program as well as any others that you are aware of. Are there any particular
sources that review this type of program or is the one at Phoenix the only one
offered?

Thanks-
Julie

[Alan Flaten]

There are a number of external MBA programs that are somewhat similar to
the program at U of Phoenix.

One that I find rather interesting is the MBA program at Colorado State
University offered through the Mind Extension University.

This program requires NO classes, NO class interaction of any kind, and
can be completed by watching taped classes on cable TV or purchasing VCR
tapes at an additional cost. Yet, this IMHO joke of an MBA program is
accredited by the AACSB!!!!!

If you don't believe me call 1-800-777-MIND for more info.

[Alexander Brown]

I believe, as I am sure many others also do, that interaction in the class
room, as well as group project work is essential. Learning from each
other, as well as from the professor, is an essential part of
"cooperative" learning, which is believed to be the most effective (and
current) teaching method.

On-line MBA classes simply cannot offer a cooperative learning
environment. Classes that are over a certain size, whatever that size
might be, also do not offer opportunites for classroom interaction and
therefore also limit the opportunities for cooperative learning.

However, I do believe that the internet can be used to further promote
cooperative learning. Instead of using a news group to replace the class
room, you should use a news group to "support" the classroom learning
environment. This helps students post interesting articles relevant to
classroom material that they are particularly familiar with, whether it
be job related etc. In fact there are numerous ways that a news group can
benefit your class room learning.

Any way, just my 2 cents worth!!

Alex
--
Alex L. Brown 302-831-4596
MBA Office, University of Delaware al...@chopin.udel.edu
Newark, DE 19716 USA