A pioneer of MBA programs for Twin Cities working professionals, the Opus College of Business is proud to be an innovator with a new course format as well – blended learning. Evening UST MBA “blended courses” will combine in-person classroom sessions with online coursework and activities. Our goal is to offer a high-quality, effective learning experience for students requiring schedule flexibility by leveraging innovative instructional technologies to complement less frequent classroom meetings.
Students enrolled in blended courses will attend five, four-hour classroom meetings during the term, and must have ready access to a computer with high-speed Internet services for online interactions with their instructor and classmates, as well as to access course materials and assignments. Black Board, a familiar UST technology resource, will be the “hub” for the blended courses and certain online activities, but other web-based software may also be used for presentations, conferencing and collaboration.
Not only does the blended model provide more flexibility for busy students managing professional and personal obligations, but when properly implemented, blended learning can result in improved student learning, satisfaction, and success. We will be closely monitoring the student experience and performance with this new manner of course delivery, and using student and faculty feedback to evaluate and influence the future direction of blended courses.
The following course sections will be offered in the blended format in fall 2012:
- ACCT 601, Sec. 222 – Thurs. evenings, Mr. Mark Stotts (CRN 42799)
- ACCT 605, Sec. 222 – Tues. evenings, Dr. Terence Pitre (CRN 42801)
- GBEC 600, Sec. 222 – Thurs. evenings, Dr. Charles (Mel) Gray (CRN 42898)
- MKTG 600, Sec. 222 – Wed. evenings, Dr. Lisa Abendroth (CRN 42981)
Specific meeting dates and times are listed in each section’s schedule in Class Finder and Murphy Online.
Important things to consider when deciding if the blended learning format is appropriate for you:
- These courses will have the same content, rigor and academic expectations of those delivered in the traditional format. Fewer face-to-face hours does not mean reduced work, less challenge or lower student engagement.
- Given the limited amount of classroom hours, students are expected to attend every classroom session for the full period.
- Expect regular activities, interactions and deliverables to be required during the 3-4 weeks between classroom meetings. Students must stay engaged and current with the material and assignments between classroom sessions to be successful.
- Students must have reliable, high-speed Internet access, and should be comfortable with web-based technology, communication and content delivery.
We recognize that this learning format may not be for everyone, and it is our goal to provide a high-quality experience to all UST MBA students, whether in a traditional or blended course. That said, if you are interested in experiencing this format, I encourage you to register for one of the blended courses listed above for fall term, or in future blended courses as they become available.
As always, you can contact your program adviser with any questions.
The Dean’s Reception for graduates will be held May 17 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Schulze Hall Atrium, including a short address by Dean Christopher Puto at 5:15 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. We encourage you to invite your manager, mentor, colleague or other guest whose support has been important to the completion of your degree. We hope to see you there!
