WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new “Blended Classroom” allows students in the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business to participate either online or on campus during weekly live class sessions.
While adding an on-campus component to what started as an online program might seem counterintuitive, it is the beginning of what MSF Director Allan Eberhart sees as the shape of classrooms to come – an environment where students work independently through the “Anytime Media” platform, complete with animated lectures and searchable transcripts, and then gather in the Blended Classroom for case discussions. On-campus students fill the first three rows and the online students “sit” in the “fourth row” -- a large monitor that displays crisp, real-time videos of up to 40 students.
Despite their geographic distance, students and professors interact as if they are right next to one another. The goal always has been to deliver the same high-quality educational experience for online students that is characteristic of all on-campus programs at the McDonough School of Business.
“Our program appeals to students who understand the importance of attending a program with high admission standards and a rigorous curriculum, but also need the flexibility to study online because of their work schedules or other demands in their lives,” said Eberhart, who also is a professor of finance.
Moving from an online to a blended format was not what Eberhart had in mind when the program launched two years ago.
“My colleagues and I would lead our MSF Live sessions from a small production room, only to find students logging in from within the business school building,” he said. “With students showing such strong interest in being part of campus life, we decided to offer the flexibility to attend class either online or on campus.”
That eventually led to the conversion of a conference room to the high-tech Blended Classroom.
“Our embrace of technology to deliver an education that is personal, with access to faculty and quality interactions with classmates, as well as flexible makes our program world-class and unlike any other top-tier MBA or MSF program.”
Students also meet in person during the program’s required on-campus weeklong residency. Before graduation, they travel as a group – most recently to South Africa – for the Global Business Experience international consulting project. Follow MSF on Twitter. Attend an on-campus or virtual open house event.
About Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business
Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, the premier destination for global business education, provides a transformational education through classroom and experiential learning, preparing students to graduate as principled leaders in the service to business and society. Through numerous centers, initiatives, and partnerships, Georgetown McDonough seeks to create a meaningful impact on business practice through both research and teaching. All academic programs prepare students to be “global ready” by providing a global perspective, woven through the undergraduate and graduate curriculum in a way that is unique to Washington, D.C. – the nexus of world business and policy – and to Georgetown University’s connections to global partner organizations and a world-wide alumni network. Founded in 1957, Georgetown McDonough is home to some 1,400 undergraduates, 1,000 MBA students, and 1,200 participants in executive degree or custom programs. Learn more at http://msb.georgetown.edu.
