The Future of Distance Learning in the Traditional University

Author(s):  
Gary Saunders

The growth in college and university offerings of Internet courses has been phenomenal and, as that growth accelerates, some writers have predicted that the university, as we now know it, will cease to exist. There is little doubt that distance learning with Internet courses will have an impact on the traditional university and a very important question is, will Internet courses represent a new and significant improvement over traditional pedagogy for educating students or just a lessening in the rigor of academic programs? This chapter presents the attitudes of accounting department chairpersons and College of Business (COB) deans on Internet courses. Ninety-four accounting chairpersons and 66 COB deans returned E mail questionnaires. In the view of the nearly 65% of the chairs and almost half of the deans. Internet courses are simply correspondence courses presented with new technology.

2004 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Susan A. Baim

This chapter examines the processes associated with developing new distance learning programs at post-secondary academic institutions that have not previously ventured into the world of online learning. Although the majority of the topics discussed are readily applicable across a wide range of academic subjects, a new distance learning program in business technology serves to illustrate the relevant concepts. Through an exploration of students’ thoughts about the opportunities and concerns involved with online learning, plus a brief overview of distance learning efforts starting with one-way, non-interactive communications and moving toward today’s fast-paced interactive courserooms and multimedia capabilities, organizational challenges and potential trouble spots for new online academic programs are identified and discussed. The knowledge gained from this first-hand experience, combined with an ongoing dialog with online student learners and other university stakeholders, provides a strong foundation on which to build and successfully implement new distance learning programs for undergraduates at the university level.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Olk

The Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver has shown resilience in navigating an increasingly turbulent environment. In working to transform itself, while still performing current activities, the College has pursued ambidexterity. That is, it has exploited its existing capabilities to deliver traditional academic programs and activities, while exploring new capabilities, academic programs, and activities that will help position the school for future growth. This effort started with revisions in the College’s strategy, structure, and mission, which were then followed by several operational changes. The depth and process of these changes are illustrated in the discussion of three significant initiatives: a focus on challenge-driven education, the launching of an online MBA, and the commencement of an executive PhD program. These changes have impacted enrollment as well as the College’s ability to consider and implement additional changes.


10.28945/3529 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 217-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen L MacLennan ◽  
Anthony A Pina ◽  
Kenneth A Moran ◽  
Patrick F Hafford

Is the Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A) a viable degree option for those wishing a career in academe? The D.B.A. degree is often considered to be a professional degree, in-tended for business practitioners, while the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is por-trayed as the degree for preparing college or university faculty. Conversely, many academic programs market their D.B.A. programs to future academicians. In this study, we investigat-ed whether the D.B.A. is, in fact, a viable faculty credential by gathering data from univer-sity catalogs and doctoral program websites and handbooks from 427 graduate business and management programs to analyze the terminal degrees held by 6159 faculty. The analysis indicated that 173 institutions (just over 40% of the total) employed 372 faculty whose ter-minal degree was the D.B.A. This constituted just over 6% of the total number of faculty. Additionally, the program and faculty qualification standards of the six regional accrediting agencies and the three programmatic accrediting agencies for business programs (AACSB, IACBE, and ACBSP) were analyzed. Results indicated that all these accrediting agencies treated the D.B.A. and Ph.D. in business identically and that the D.B.A. was universally considered to be a valid credential for teaching business at the university level. Suggestions for future research are also offered.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena S. Wisniewski

With companies now recognizing how artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, the internet of things (IoT), and data science affect value creation and the maintenance of a competitive advantage, their demand for talented individuals with both management skills and a strong understanding of technology will grow dramatically. There is a need to prepare and train our current and future decision makers and leaders to have an understanding of AI and data science, the significant impact these technologies are having on business, how to develop AI strategies, and the impact all of this will have on their employees’ roles. This paper discusses how business schools can fulfill this need by incorporating AI into their business curricula, not only as stand-alone courses but also integrated into traditional business sequences, and establishing interdisciplinary efforts and collaborative industry partnerships. This article describes how the College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) at the University of Alaska Anchorage is implementing multiple approaches to meet these needs and prepare future leaders and decision makers. These approaches include a detailed description of CBPP’s first AI course and related student successes, the integration of AI into additional business courses such as entrepreneurship and GSCM, and the creation of an AI and Data Science Lab in partnership with the College of Engineering and an investment firm.


2020 ◽  
pp. 61-73
Author(s):  
Yu. M. Tsygalov

The forced work of Russian universities remotely in the context of the pandemic (COVID-19) has generated a lot of discussion about the benefits of the new form of education. The first results were summed up and reports were presented, the materials of which showed that the main goal of online education — the prevention of the spread of infection, - has been achieved. Against this background, proposals and publications have appeared substantiating the effectiveness of the massive introduction of distance learning in Russia, including in higher education. However, the assessment of such training by the population and students in publications and in social networks was predominantly negative and showed that the number of emerging problems exceeds the possible benefits of the new educational technology. Based on the analysis of the materials of publications and personal experience of teaching online, the potential benefits and problems of distance learning in higher education in Russia are considered. It is proposed to consider the effects separately for the suppliers of new technology (government, universities) and consumers (students, teachers, society). It is substantiated that the massive introduction of online education allows not only to reduce the negative consequences of epidemics, but also to reduce budgetary funding for universities, optimize the age composition of teachers, and reduce the cost of maintaining educational buildings. However, there will be a leveling / averaging of the quality of education, and responsibility for the quality of training will shift from the state/universities to students. The critical shortcomings of online education are the low degree of readiness of the digital infrastructure, the lack of a mechanism for identifying and monitoring the work of students, information security problems, and the lack of trust in such training of the population. The massive use of online education creates a number of risks for the country, the most critical of which is the destruction of the higher education system and a drop in the effectiveness of personnel training. The consequences of this risk realization are not compensated by any possible budget savings.


1976 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph J. Senna

While we know a great deal about the practice of probation and parole and about their place in the correctional process, we know virtually nothing about the kind of professional education that is best suited for probation and parole work and we have little information on the extent to which graduate-level opportunities are available. This article re- examines the tasks of probation and parole officers and relates them to the differing academic programs used by such personnel. Data from a na tional survey are used to demonstrate that probation and parole agencies have not supported Professional staff development. A number of ap proaches to improve graduate study for probation and parole officers, at both the agency and the university level, are described. Implementing these suggestions would help to attain the objectives of effective rehabili tation and higher professional status for community correction.


Author(s):  
Andrei V. Gavrilenko ◽  

The article considers an issue of information security of the distance education systems. It analyzes the functions and architecture of the typical distance education system. With considering the requirements of information security it also discusses the university information system for solving the distance learning problems. The author defines valuable assets and information resources and describes the existing security threats. The subjects of interaction in the distance learning mode are presented. There is a consideration of the principal directions of the university’s activity in the distance learning system, requiring constant monitoring of information security. A threat model is worked out and the main security vulnerabilities are highlighted. The analysis of the causes and consequences of information security violation in the distance learning system is carried out and most vulnerable and critical nodes were identified. The hardware and software requirements for the remote mode work are regarded. A recommended list of hardware and software tools that ensure compliance with safety requirements is presented. The major lines of protection for distance learning systems are highlighted. The article proves the necessity of conducting a regular security assessment as a means for monitoring an effectiveness of the protection system.


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