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Classroom Component of an Online Learning Community - Case Study of an MBA Program at the University of St. Gallen

Classroom Component of an Online Learning Community - Case Study of an MBA Program at the University of St. Gallen
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Author(s): Julia Gerhard (University of St. Gallen, Switzerland), Peter Mayr (University of St. Gallen, Switzerland)and Sabine Seufert (University of St. Gallen, Switzerland)
Copyright: 2001
Pages: 5
Source title: Managing Information Technology in a Global Economy
Source Editor(s): Mehdi Khosrow-Pour, D.B.A. (Information Resources Management Association, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-930708-07-5.ch087
ISBN13: 9781930708075
EISBN13: 9781466665323

Abstract

The Internet not only affects various fields of business but also the educational sector increasingly. The impact of Internet technologies on the way of learning are immense. New learning scenarios arise; learning processes shift; learning methods are technologically better supported [12]. On a content side, it is possible to present knowledge in a network in the form of hypertexts. In addition, the participants of an educational program can benefit from a personal network developed in online supported learning communities [11]. This development challenges educational institutions to find successful ways of integrating the emerging learning scenarios and learning processes. To overcome disadvantages like isolation of students, slower learning progress because of missing team spirit or low involvement of students in the learning material, educational institutions should not just use the Internet as a new distribution channel of old learning methods, but employ the Internet’s chances to provide students with the knowledge required for a successful professional life as well as to prepare them for life-long learning and a continuing education. This contribution wants to: - show a way of designing an online learning environment - design a possible classroom component of a specific online learning community We will first introduce a concept of online learning communities. We will then briefly describe the reference model for learning communities which allows us to model a medium for the learning community. The reference model is applied to concrete MBA program, and the design of the classroom component of this MBA learning community is introduced. Finally, we will give a brief outlook.

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