Tremendous advancement in technology has resulted in a two a new subdivision in MBA programs. One is Offline Campus program and another is the new era is online program type. An Online MBA program is now a more viable alternative to an on-campus course. Improvements in learning technology, greater access to career services and alumni networks have made the digital degree more appealing. In some ways, the online format could be better than the campus course, as students enjoy more flexibility in when, where and how they learn.
But there are pros and cons to each type of program, which suit different kinds of applicants. How do you choose which format is right for you? There are many aspects like flexibility, social aspects, networking and other opportunities which makes one better than other in some cases and other better the first at some points.
Online MBA vs. On-Campus MBA: Flexibility
When it comes to flexibility , undoubtedly Online MBA scores an extra point. Online MBAs allow students to earn a highly revered degree from virtually anywhere in the world. “The program is identical to our campus program, so students can experience the same rigor and faculty as a campus student without having to live in Pittsburgh,” for example, says Cindy McCauley, executive director of the Online Hybrid MBA at the Tepper School of Business in the US.
Online MBAs break all the limitations and widens the boundaries of opportunities. One need not to leave his job or have to shift to a different place to study from his /her favourite institution.
Many Online MBA programs also now offer the same level of career support as their campus counterparts. Classes include a weekly cohort meeting via video conferencing software that can be accessed globally. Participants also come together online twice per week in the evening for 75 minutes. And offline components (video lectures and assignments) can be completed whenever they fit into a student’s busy schedule.
Also, technology has closed the gap . Professors and students are able to interact in a better manner rather than in offline classes. With the help of technology each and every movement of a student is monitored, how attentive is he? or how good a student’s response was? All the factors are analyzed and a report is also generated.
A student might be missed in offline lectures but cannot in Online lectures. Despite spending most of their time online and at a distance, students form tight-knit relationships because they move together in a lock-step cohort through the program.
They complete their work in learning groups and learn to build relationships, even if they originally come from different backgrounds. They look forward to seeing each when they come to campus and continue these relationships after they graduate.
Many business schools are moving in this direction, offering opportunities for online students to come to campus to bond with their classmates.
Online MBA vs. On-Campus MBA: Social aspects, networking opportunities
Could Online MBAs lack some of the social aspects of campus courses, and the networking opportunities that are vital to the MBA experience?
One may think that Off-Campus will offer great opportunities in terms of socialising and building a worth network. No doubt in offline course one gets opportunity to get social meet new people. Also, one has more chances of making his/her own contacts.
Students develop meaningful relationships with their cohort in ways that are different than the full-time student experience. Despite spending most of their time online and at a distance, students form tight-knit relationships because they move together in a lockstep cohort through the program.
They complete their work in learning groups and learn to build relationships, even if they originally come from different backgrounds. They look forward to seeing each when they come to campus and continue these relationships after they graduate.
Online courses offer students substantial interaction opportunities, from participating in case discussions during live sessions, to completing integrative group assignments for classes, and connecting with highly-available faculty members through Zoom or Skype. One may miss a real back to school life which act as an add on flavour.
Ultimately, the online format is better for those who need more flexibility in their studies — providing the added benefit of not sacrificing a salary to get a campus MBA. But increasingly, the distinction between online and offline learning is being blurred.
