Building Effective Virtual Learning Communities in MBA Online Programs

Valentina Chappell 
(Graduate School, Friends University, Kansas 67213, USA)

Abstract: For years, educators have discussed how to assure successful online course outcomes while increasing student satisfaction and retention. Most literature advocates developing learning communities as the best way to engage students and provide quality online learning.
    However, course and program outcomes must be based on individual student achievement. Therefore, to increase retention and create an effective virtual classroom of adult learners, it is first necessary to bring out the best in each student.
    It takes time and directed faculty interaction to support each student in achieving his or her best performance and developing self-confidence. These qualities are necessary prerequisites for student participation and building a strong learning community.
    For example, first year MBA students usually do not meet standards of online discussion. Besides lacking necessary knowledge, many of them suffer from stage fright. When listening to an online lecture, each student is sitting on the front row as a passive and invisible recipient. But during group discussion and problem solving modules, each student becomes the central figure where the whole group can observe and evaluate his or her performance.
Guided instruction by the professor will help each student develop their academic growth, professional confidences and business communication skills so they become capable of contributing to the discussion which is the basis of any community of learners. Once created, the community will help affirm each other’s self-esteem, social recognition and growth.
    Therefore, a quality online classroom consists of three major interrelated entities: professor, student, and course content. The dynamic interaction between the professor and each student within the course content will prepare them for constructive business communications with other students in the online forums. Only individuals with independent critical thinking, professional confidence and business communication skills are capable of contributing to discussion thus creating an effective and long lasting community of learners.

Key words: online MBA programs, building effective online learning communities, virtual classroom, focus on individual students, guided online instruction