Online Learning Update

By Wai Kwen Chan, Financial Times

There is more to designing blended learning programmes than just mixing online teaching materials and face-to-face interaction. In an era of austerity, developing these courses in the executive education sector can prove challenging. Companies may resort to e-learning tutorials to provide a cost- and time-efficient way of training staff that avoids the travel and accommodation costs of off-site courses. So how will blended learning progress in the executive education sector? Is the trend moving towards learning virtually rather than in person? Or is there something else in the mix? Andrew Atzert, chief operating officer at the Aresty Institute of Executive Education at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, says people tend to prefer the blend. When the financial crisis hit, some businesses asked the institute to convert some programmes wholly online, but companies usually ask for the combined format.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/6dea06d4-4b72-11e0-89d8-00144feab49a.html