Reflective learning and on‐line management education: a comparison of traditional and on‐line MBA students

Abstract

᭹In recent years higher education has witnessed dramatic changes brought on by the advent of diversified forms of management education. ᭹ Advances in multi-media and Internet technologies have generated explosive growth in on-line learning. ᭹ The ability to engage in reflective thinking is important for managers, especially during periods of change.An important aim of management education is to develop this ability. ᭹ On-line education has been criticized for its inability to foster critical thinking in students. A case study of an American MBA programme at the University of WisconsinWhitewater is presented which compares reflective learning in on-line and traditional classes.᭹ Evidence is presented which dispels the myth that on-line management education is less effective for fostering reflective thinking. The findings do suggest that reflective thinking does take different paths in on-line versus traditional management education delivery systems.

A Longitudinal Comparative Study of Student Perceptions in Online Education

“…In a study of MBA students, Hay, Peltier, & Drago (2004) presented a reflective learning framework. After measuring the framework in online and traditional classes, they insisted that online management education was capable of encouraging higher levels of learning including critical thinking skills.…”

Functional and structural impact of the loss of the leucine-rich repeat protein LRIT1 in the mouse retina.

“…The current model proposes that RGS11 exclusively interacts with R9AP, and R9AP also directly interacts with GPR179 (23). GPR179 also interacts with Gβ5 and RGS7 (24). These proteins are responsible for converting GTP to GDP on Gα0 (21).…”

“…These non-traditional adult students took advantage of the benefits of online learning such as the autonomy, convenience, flexibility, accessibility, quality, increased access to additional resources, increased use of technology in education, and increased ability to teach to a variety of learning styles (22). They also directly benefitted from the overall increase in technological literacy of teachers and students due to marked improvements in technology and frequent technological use in our society (24). Traditional instruction is transforming to either incorporate online learning or completely replace traditional instruction with online learning.…”

“…Thus, there are significant challenges for both faculty and students to design and achieve a successful online learning approach. When online learning does not include any collaborative or team activities, students can feel isolated, which affects their engagement, motivation, and outcomes (24). Hale et al found that "students in the online course were less satisfied [than in classroom courses] with 8 criteria related to student satisfaction with instructor rapport, course excellence, peer interaction, and self-perceived knowledge gains," (14).…”

“…Only well-incorporated technology nurture intrinsic motivation and self-directed learning (24). The shift from traditional to online learning implores faculty to rethink their teaching strategies using instructional design approaches to deliver content specifically designed for the virtual arena (49,50).…”