Online MBA: Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADLN?: ADLN is the Advanced Distance Learning Network. It is WPI's service for delivering courses via distance learning.
What is Distance Learning in the Department of Management?: The Department of Management views distance learning as simply another vehicle by which we offer our MBA program. It's like having another campus, one that covers the entire world, wherever you can get online. Courses are identical in content and expectations as our on-campus courses. We use the same faculty, and have the same admissions requirements. Students interact with their peers and faculty, and work together, just as they would in an on-campus environment. In short, distance learning is a tool that allows you greater flexibility to balance your education with your personal and professional lives.
What can you tell me about Web-based courses?: First, it is important to understand what we mean by the phrase, Web-based course. Many colleges and universities tout what they call Web-based courses, but these are often nothing more than a conventional course supplemented with a course homepage, which the Department of Management has been doing for years. Other colleges and universities offer Web-based courses and programs but still require from one to three campus residencies per course with some residencies lasting as long as two weeks. We consider such courses and programs to be Web-enhanced, not Web-based. In addition to being able to complete an entire MBA program online, WPI's Web-based delivery combines a wide range of technology, individually chosen for what best suits each course.; Our first Web-based course was offered in fall 1998. It was delivered entirely over the Web and did not require any campus residency or meetings. In that particular course the professor combined PowerPoint slides, streamed audio, and discussion threads to facilitate the learning process.; What one should remember about Web-based courses is that each one will be somewhat different. The uniqueness of the material, the learning objectives, and the pedagogy and supporting technology selected by the professor will lead to a unique product. Thus, while there will be common elements, such as the threaded discussion feature, and a similar look, each course will be different.
How long has the Department of Management offered courses via Distance Education?: In 1979 the Department began providing courses to students at two major employers via distance education. At that time we made the commitment that students would be able to complete the entire MBA via distance. As near as we can tell, that makes WPI one of the first universities or colleges in the U.S. to offer a complete MBA via distance.
Do students meet as a group?: Yes, but not usually in a physical setting. Our Web-based approach provides students with the opportunity to use online discussion forums to handle their group meeting needs. Some courses do require distance students to work in virtual teams. In some courses groups will be given their own secure discussion area where they can carry on their project work, exchange drafts, and so forth. In other courses they may find that e-mail provides them the same freedom and more flexibility.
Will I feel like a spectator rather than a participant?: We don't think so. All of our faculty members take great pains to ensure that they develop a course that is appropriate for both the proximate (in-class) students and the distance students. In fact, the more frequent complaint in these courses comes from the proximate students who often feel that the professor is attending too much to the distance students! Just remember that it's up to you to remain engaged. If you do not stay current with the course material, and actively participate in the course discussions, you will likely feel more like a spectator than a participant.
What programs does the Department of Management offer Online?: WPI offers its complete High-Tech MBA online with no residency requirement. Many courses for our specialized M.S. degrees (Information Technology, Marketing & Technological Innovation, and Operations Design and Leadership) overlap with the MBA program so it is possible that, over time, one could complete most or all of the work for those degrees online as well.
How long will it take me to complete my MBA via distance?: We have committed to offer all of the foundation and core courses, and a sufficient selection of electives, via distance such that one can complete the entire MBA over a three-year period. This may require rigid scheduling to ensure that you take the needed courses when they are offered. Also, you may have a limited range of electives from which to choose if you want to follow this time frame. As distance enrollments continue to grow, and as Web-based course technology becomes more sophisticated, it is likely that we will offer courses more frequently, enabling our students to earn their MBA in as little as a year.
Can I take courses both on-campus and via distance?: Yes. Typically the students taking distance education courses are doing so because they face particular constraints. However, sometimes those constraints do not exist and it is possible for the student to come to one of our physical campuses to take courses. We welcome the opportunity to meet you and work with you on-campus.
Do you mean that ADLN Is not a separate degree program?: That is exactly what we mean. When you are admitted to the MBA Program at WPI, you are one of our students. Distance Education is nothing more than a medium by which we deliver our courses. You may register for any of the sections that fit your needs.
Will I receive a diploma that is different than the diploma received by students who take all of their courses on-campus?: No. You will be awarded the Master of Business Administration degree from WPI and your diploma will not be distinguishable from that of any other MBA student at WPI.
Can I participate from wherever I want?: From our perspective, the answer is yes. If you are taking a web-based course, simply use your notebook computer, or some other local computer that meets our hardware and software specifications, and logon to our website.; If you will be participating from work during working hours, we suggest that you consult with your supervisor so that s/he is aware of what you are doing and why. Your professor, the director of Graduate Management Programs, and the department head are all available to discuss with your supervisor the time commitment necessary to complete our courses or to answer any other questions about our program.
When will a particular MBA course be offered via distance?: The director of Graduate Management Programs distributes a tentative three-year schedule of distance offerings annually. Only the coming year is certain, although every effort will be made to deliver the courses as scheduled.
Will I need a textbook or other materials for distance courses?: Typically, yes. The professor teaching each course makes decisions about the resources to be used.
How long will it take for the professor to respond to my e-mail questions?: Generally, excluding weekends, professors will respond to questions and comments within a day. Sometimes, however, this is not possible. Just as you have travel, meeting, and other work commitments that may preclude you from participating every day, our professors sometimes have commitments that preclude them from participating on a given day. All our faculty work to ensure that questions are answered in a timely and helpful manner.
What are the hardware requirements for taking distance courses?: See the minimum technical requirements for participants in Management ADLN courses and programs.
How do I enroll in a Graduate Management Program Course via ADLN?: Contact the Director of Graduate Management Programs at 508-831-5218.

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Last modified: Sep 05, 2006, 16:41 EDT