New technology adds value to the distance learning process

Online MBA programmes are gaining popularity as new platforms enhance the education experience

DISTANCE LEARNING MBAs have been gaining in popularity as technology improves and the inevitable bugs associated with new learning platforms are slowly worked out.

Alternately referred to as e-learning, computer-enhanced learning, web-based learning, online learning and a host of other catchy new terms, distance learning MBAs are leveraging new technologies - from video-conferencing to CD-Roms to MP3 players - to offer a value-added learning experience. As a result, they are becoming increasingly popular.

'We have been growing rapidly for the past 10 years,' said Alan Au Kai-ming, associate professor and marketing and management strand leader at the Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK), which offers both English and Chinese-language MBA programmes.

'We believe that we have the largest MBA programme in terms of student numbers in Hong Kong. We have more than 2,000 students in China and 1,000 in Hong Kong.'

The popularity of distance learning MBAs is easy to understand. First, they are more flexible. Students can take as many or as few classes as they wish, and they can interrupt their studies and resume them later should changes in their professional or personal commitments make this necessary. Second, students can study at home, in the office, while in transit or at hotels.