A Comparison Of Student Outcomes And Student Satisfaction In Three MBA Human Resource Management Classes Based On Traditional Vs. Online Learning

Abstract

The author taught three MBA Human Resource Management classes in the spring term of 2007 at a large private university in Florida. Two of the classes were taught in a 100% online format while the third was taught off campus in a university-owned building in Orlando where students met in a face-to-face, weekend setting. This traditional class was augmented by a WebCT classroom where students posted assignments, did exams, and communicated via email and discussion boards in the interims between classes. Comparisons were made regarding student performance and student satisfaction. In both areas, students in the face-to-face class scored just slightly better than their online counterparts.