Blended learning offers options for busy EMBA students
The Kellogg School of Management (Kellogg) at Northwestern University, USA recently launched blended learning into its global network of EMBA programs. This model of learning adds an online feature of class studies where students can complete assigned work at home, shifting some of the time normally spent in class.
“Our typical model for electives brings students in class for almost a week, but by distributing some of the content online, they come on campus for a briefer period and can customize the class to their schedule,” said Chris Bray, Associate Director of Academic Affairs at Kellogg.
Developer Solutions Specialist at Microsoft and Kellogg-Schulich EMBA student, Madiha Qadir is a mother of two with a six-month-old baby at home. Having the option to take blended courses gave her the freedom to complete modules at her own pace with the ability to pause and re-start at any time.
“I was able to go through the lectures with my baby in my lap,” Qadir said. “It gave me peace of mind and the capacity to take this on at home.”
Director of Business Development at Cleo and Kellogg EMBA student, Shane Phair, is often on the road up to five days a week. Shifting the in-class portion of these courses means he can optimize his time in transit to complete course assignments.
“I could complete work on the plane, during evenings, whenever I had time,” Phair said. “I was able to learn more because it was more flexible.”
Even with the reduced in-class course load, both students strongly felt that they were not compromising the networking component of their EMBA experience. Instead, they feel that it was a win-win, providing them the best of both worlds.