Exploring the Challenges of a Hybrid Distance Course
Nory B. Jones, Bret Golann, and Gloria Vollmers
Delivering excellent educational experiences through distance media continues to challenge academia as working professionals increasingly demand distance education. This paper identifies and explores challenges associated with teaching a complex hybrid distance information systems course within the context of distance learning models in relation to learning styles. The course was project based, focusing on designing and developing a web-based entrepreneurship knowledge portal while teaching graduate students the complex concepts of systems analysis and design. Virtual teams of graduate students participated from their locations throughout the state of Maine as well as in Rhode Island and Virginia, using asynchronous communication along with synchronous videoconference meetings. The paper provides lessons learned from this experience that can be applied in distance graduate courses.
Keywords: IS curriculum, learning models, interactive problem solving, knowledge utilization, collaborative writing
Nory B. Jones is an Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems in the University of Maine Business School. Her doctoral degree from the University of Missouri was in information systems. Her research focuses on knowledge management, specifically examining knowledge sharing using collaborative technologies. She also researches the impact of web-based knowledge portals in business and higher education. She teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in e-commerce, knowledge management and other related courses. Web site: http://mbs.maine.edu/~jones_nory/template3.php
Bret E. Golann is Assistant Professor of Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship at the University of Maine. His research interests include the challenges of managing rapid growth in small firms. Dr. Golann teaches technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, managing rapid growth and business planning. Prior to earning a Ph.D. in Management Systems at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Bret spent twelve years in manufacturing, marketing, product concept development and engineering in technology businesses including IBM and small start-up companies.
Gloria Vollmers is the Associate Dean of the University of Maine Business School. She received her Ph.D. in Accounting from the University of North Texas.
Return to the Table of Contents