The higher education scenario has been completely transformed in this digital age where advanced academic tools have made education more affordable, accessible and effective for both students and teachers.
Going the Online Way
We all know that online education is not something new. Since the late 1990s many reputed universities and colleges have been offering courses through the internet. As per the latest data published by The Sloan Consortium, last year more than 6 million students attended at least one web-based course. Moreover, around 500,000 students enrolled in online programmes. In the past few years, online student enrolments have increased over 10 per cent while overall student enrolments increased only by 1 per cent.
Nowadays if you want to earn an MBA then undoubtedly the best option for you is to get it online. An online management diploma will provide you with the same knowledge and skills as a regular MBA programme. Moreover, with an online diploma you will get same employment opportunities, if not better, when compared to a traditional programme. Whether you like it or not, the fact is most aspiring MBAs from different parts of the world are now going online to earn their business qualifications. The wide range of benefits offered by web-based business education programmes has drastically changed the way we learn.
Digitising Business Education
Due to student expectations and the changing dynamics of business, more and more institutes are now offering business diploma and degree programmes through electronic platforms. Since 2010, the percentage of study materials delivered digitally has almost tripled, according to the 2013 Membership Program Survey of the Executive MBA Council.
Executive Director of the EMBA Council, Michael Desiderio, says, “Many EMBA students travel during the program, and delivering course materials electronically lightens the load for them. As one application of technology, electronic materials offer all time-strapped EMBA students convenient access to course materials. EMBA programs will continue to explore ways that technology can enhance the student experience.”
Let’s face it, web-based and digital mode of education cannot be ignored anymore. With growing acceptance of accredited online business qualifications by employers around the world, it is fast becoming the most preferred way of learning among students of the digital age who are more than comfortable with their smartphones, tablets and laptops.
The Hybrid Approach
However, the fact remains that business education needs to take baby steps right now. The key is in blending traditional learning methods with digital modes. Many B-schools and universities are now taking a “blended learning” approach by delivering the coursework and content through conventional classrooms as well as the internet. It is essential to maintain a balance between the two as it will ensure the success of higher education in the future.
In blended or hybrid learning, you will be able to learn from pre-recorded lectures, live streaming videos, audio recordings, working on assignments via forums, video chat and discussion boards. You will also get the opportunity to clarify your queries with your faculty by interacting face-to-face with them on your campus.
Flip Your Classroom
Another popular educational tool for business schools in the digital age is the “flipped classroom”. It requires you to go through the study material by watching video lectures or reading content posted online before the class. Thus when you attend the scheduled class you will be able to understand and use the knowledge by various relevant exercises like problem-solving, debates, discussion and interacting with fellow classmates instead of listening to the lectures.
The objective of flipping the classroom is to modify learning from passive to active which helps you to focus on cognitive skills like analysis, evaluation, synthesis etc.
MBA for the Digitally Inclined Generation
In this modern era where most of us are digitally inclined and much comfortable with advanced technology in various aspects of our lives, business education must to be delivered in the most effective manner. Presently there is a need to digitize the MBA experience for our students and future leaders.
Many Online Management diploma courses offer the flexibility of online programmes and the personal touch of traditional learning experiences by adopting the blended learning approach. It not only helps students to learn better, but also enables institutes to use technology to widen their student base.