Title: Is this what I signed up for? MBA and undergraduate business student perspectives of online courses

Authors: Sheila M. Miller, Kristy J. Lauver, Dawna M. Drum

Addresses: Department of Management and Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, USA. ' Department of Management and Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, USA. ' Department of Management and Marketing, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, USA

Abstract: Differences between student perspectives of online courses depending on their level of education (graduate vs. undergraduate) and original choice of educational mode (whether students have enrolled in a complete online degree program or in an on-campus program) were investigated. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in surveying students. Results indicated differences in student perspectives on the effectiveness of the education obtained online, the amount of student interaction, and the amount of time required for online vs. on-campus courses. The one constant between all three groups was the high amount of perceived flexibility that online courses provide.

Keywords: MBA programmes; master|s degrees; business administration; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; internet; world wide web; online courses; student perspectives; undergraduates; student interaction; professor interaction; learning; course loads; perceived flexibility; graduates; educational modes; degree programmes; on-campus programmes; higher education; universities; quantitative methods; qualitative methods; student surveys; educational effectiveness; USA; United States; education management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2011.042888

International Journal of Management in Education, 2011 Vol.5 No.4, pp.363 - 383

Published online: 12 Feb 2015 *

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