Prospective students had all kinds of doubts five years ago when U21 Global launched its online MBA in Hong Kong. The concept of virtual learning was still in its infancy and most inquiries focused on log-in practicalities, the validity of the qualification, or how discussion boards and e-mail exchanges could hope to replicate the interaction of a traditional graduate classroom.
'But now there has been a drastic change,' said Danny Lee, the organisation's managing director for North Asia.
'People are much more receptive to virtual learning. It is gaining momentum. We all do things the electronic way these days - from paying bills to booking holidays - so taking a degree online mirrors one's lifestyle.'
Reflecting this, he said that most questions now started from 'step two'.
Potential students asked about course modules and practical commitments, not how the overall concept worked. They were used to operating in an internet world of multimedia downloads, chat rooms, 'webinars' and e-commerce, and realised that technology had also created a new educational model which could give them flexibility, debate and formal guidance.
'Basically, you are walking into a virtual class with a professor online,' Mr Lee said.