Virtual Classroom versus Physical Classroom: An Exploratory Study of Class Discussion Patterns and Student Learning in an Asynchronous Internet-Based MBA Course

Abstract

As more business schools develop courses and programs for delivery via the Internet, assessing the quality of student learning and reactions to the medium will become increasingly important and necessary. This exploratory study reports the results of comparing a classroom-based and an Internet-basedMBAclass section at a Midwestern U.S. university. The results showed significantly higher discussion participation patterns for the Internet-based course (both by class section and by gender) and no significant differences in learning in either class section. This article concludes by discussing possible reasons for these findings and suggests implications for Internet-based education.