in‐person experiential learning for an online mba: academic & … · evening before start...
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American University’s KOGOD SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Maureen BreslinAssistant Dean, Online ProgramsOctober 3, 2019
In‐Person Experiential Learning for an Online MBA: Academic & Community Building Benefits
Washington, DC
American University & Kogod School of Business
Kogod School of Business
July 2019 MBA Enrollment
51%Domestic Minority
45.5%Female
21-67Age Range
31Average Age
5.97 yrsAvg work
experienceMBA@AmericanStudents
Why do we do in‐person and experiential learning?
Why?
Christ, P., Arsenault, P., & Gault, J. (2015). The Value of an Onsite Residency experience for Online MBA Programs. Business Innovation Journal, 7(2), 32‐35.Retrieved from http://digital commons.wcupa.edu/mark_facpub/5
An in‐person residency…”offers advantages in terms of student enjoyment, program assessment and alumni involvement… it may also have the potential to enhance students’ involvement and support following the completion of the program.” ‐ Christ, Arsenault, Gault
Students want it
Faculty want it
In‐Person
Understanding how this apply in the “real world”?
Solving a problem in a limited time with imperfect information.
Working with a diverse group of people.
Experiential
Immersion Basics
Instagram Story fromAtlanta 2019
2 Required ‐ 1.5 credits each
Domestic and international options
Mix of Speakers, Site Visits, Group Projects, Direct Instruction, Workshops, Career Sessions, & Cultural Excursions
Opportunity for students to integrate academic learning with real world experience and make professional connections
Immersions
Academic Pre‐work
Day 1Keynote SpeakerSite VisitGroup Work
Day 2Site VisitsGroup WorkWorkshop
Day 3 Career Session Group WorkPresentations
Sample Immersion Agenda
Academic Pre‐work – Asynchronous and Deliverables
Evening Before Start ‐ Welcome Reception with Alumni
Day 1 • Intro to the Weekend• Charlie Battle, Keynote Speaker• State Farm Arena Tour with Andrew Saltzman, EVP
& CRO of Atlanta Hawks• Coca‐Cola Corporate Headquarters Tour• Optional After Hours – Group Work
Atlanta March 2019
Day 2• Guest Speaker Paige Balocki, VP of Marketing,
Turner Sports• Career Session – Networking: Diversifying
Connections & Approaches• “Creating Your Pitch” Direct Instruction & Group
Work with Professor Boland • Optional After Hours – Group Work & Time with
Career Counselor
Day 3 • Group Work• Presentations
Atlanta March 2019
Academic Benefits
“This helped me apply all the knowledge that was given to us during the immersion and the MBA program.” – DC, June 2019
Student Quote
Mini – Elective
BrexitInnovationDesign ThinkingEntrepreneurshipBusiness & CultureTrade & NegotiationSustainability & MarketingInvestment Decision MakingMarketing & Consumer BehaviorNon‐Governmental OrganizationsLifestyle Brands & Sports MarketingBusiness Planning for the Future of WorkRegulatory Environment of American BusinessInformation Technology & the Future of Work
Academic
Examine Real World Problems & Propose Practical Solutions
Synthesize Learning & Deliver Final Product on Time Intensive Schedule
Practical Application of Academic Content from Across the Curriculum
Academic
Build Teamwork Skills
Develop Public Speaking & Presentation Skills
Advance Interpersonal & Cross‐Cultural Skills
Academic
Requires synthesizing pre‐work, in‐person learning, and core curriculum knowledge
Group Work
Presentation Skills
Writing Skills
Project
“The pre‐work for the immersion was really helpful and made me feel ready to do the pitch.” – Atlanta, March 2019
Student Quote
“As a faculty member who recently led an Immersion program, I can say without a doubt that the experience can be “life changing” for students. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience business from a “30,000‐foot view” and provides students with an opportunity to reassess their own career directions and aspirations. The bonds you can build with your fellow students, faculty members, and host institutions are immeasurable. The immersion program is an intense – but immensely ‐ rewarding experience. I highly recommend it for all students!”
‐ Professor Tommy White, Nairobi June 2019
Faculty Quote
Community Building
[I most valued] “The ability to network and build meaningful relationships with fellow students and classmates, while learning valuable skills.” – Atlanta, March 2019
Student Quote
Alumni & Student Reception
Meals
On Transportation
Community
“I appreciated that we had evenings free to network and get to know fellow classmates. I had a great time and made some lasting connections.” – Atlanta, March 2019
Student Quote
Regular Immersions in Washington, DC
December connects to Commencement
Enables more faculty to engage with online students at the reception
Connection to AU
Logistics
Faculty then location? Location then faculty?
Themes
Costs
Selection
Templated Syllabus
Staff member to shepherd faculty through the process ‐ To meet deadlines for course build‐ To balance the amount of work‐ Ala carte selection of elements
Academic Planning
Hotels
Catering
Ground Transportation
Materials
Logistics Planning
Logistics Planning
Guidebook
“Less is More”#1 Lesson
“Set & Manage Expectations”#2 Lesson
“Eek!”, then adjust.#3 Lesson
Thank you!Maureen [email protected]
Discussion