Title: Using online technology to enhance problem-solving skills: an experimental study

Authors: Mohammad Ahmadi, Arben Asllani, Wendy Roth, Cindy White

Addresses: College of Business – Department of Management, Department 6156, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA. ' College of Business – Department of Management, Department 6156, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA. ' College of Business – Department of Management, Department 6156, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA. ' College of Business – Department of Management, Department 6156, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, 615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403, USA

Abstract: The explosive growth of the internet and information technology has redefined the concept of distance learning. Today, colleges and universities around the world are offering online courses and degrees in an attempt to reach more students, reduce the cost of education and increase the level of satisfaction for both the students and faculty. Yet, there is still considerable confusion and a lack of understanding among scholars and practitioners of how effective online education is, especially when it comes to providing the students with the necessary problem-solving skills. This study compares the degree of problem-solving skills attained by students when using these two different methods: online and face-to-face. The implications of some surprising findings and conclusions end the paper.

Keywords: online teaching; online learning; problem-solving skills; e-learning; distance learning; online education; effectiveness; face-to-face learning; web-based learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2008.018394

International Journal of Management in Education, 2008 Vol.2 No.2, pp.234 - 247

Published online: 19 May 2008 *

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