Online MBA Programs: Delivery Methods

<p>Nicole Willson looks at some of the different <strong>delivery methods</strong> of <strong>online MBA programs</strong>.</p><p>While all of the online MBA programs in the 2012 QS Distance Online Ranking are Internet-based, there are significant differences in the way programs are delivered.&nbsp;</p><p>The nature of online learning means that a number of different delivery methods are available. Text, video, audio, animation, and virtual environments are just some of the methods used by online MBA providers.</p><p>This range of options is, of course, used in different ways by different schools, creating a significant variety in the programs on offer. The amount of a course that is delivered online also varies. Programs can be classified according to this:</p><p>Online classes are made up of content that is delivered mostly, if not completely, over the internet. At least 80% of the course content is delivered online.</p><p><strong>Hybrid classes</strong> (or blended courses) combine online and face-to-face delivery. 30-79% of hybrid course content is delivered online. These courses typically include online discussions as well as a reduced (as compared to on-campus courses) number of face-to-face meetings.</p><p><strong>Web facilitated classes</strong> use a webpage or a Content Management System (CMS) to help deliver the content of a face-to-face course. 1-29% of course content is delivered online.<br>Most of the programs in the 2012 QS Distance Online Ranking are online programs. However, others, such as Thunderbird’s program (in which 25% of the content is delivered face-to-face), utilize hybrid methods.</p><p>Online classes can be classified as either synchronous or asynchronous:</p><p><strong>Synchronous classes</strong> are real-time classes that are delivered by a facilitator. Students log in at the same time in order to interact with the instructor as well as their fellow classmates. Just like face-to-face classes, synchronous classes meet over a set amount of time, ranging from one session to an entire semester. Synchronous classes are usually delivered through websites, audio or video conferencing, or internet phone services (such as Skype).</p><p><strong>Asynchronous classes</strong> are internet-based classes that you complete at your own pace. Interaction with your instructors and fellow students usually takes place through bulletin boards, discussion groups or email.</p><p>Most of the MBA programs included in the 2012 QS Distance Online Ranking are made up of asynchronous classes.</p><p>Many online MBA programs include online support – a version of knowledge databases allowing a greater deal of interactivity. Online support can come in the form of forums, chat rooms, bulletin boards, email, or live instant-messaging support. Online support allows you to get immediate answers to specific questions.</p><p>All of the programs listed in the <a href="/mba-rankings">ranking</a> provide some form of online support.</p>