This article reports the case study results of an online MPA public finance administration course. The course differed from other formats in that it was conducted primarily through texts and electronic bulletin board discussions with no face-to-face contact. Compared to the traditional classroom, this format had advantages and disadvantages. Students' and instructors' perspectives are discussed, and adjustments are suggested to increase satisfaction with future courses.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AhernTerence C.RepmanJudi. 1994 “The Effects of Technology on Online Education.” Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 26(4): 537–546.
2.
BlumenstykGoldie. 1996. “Maine's Large Distance-Education Network Gets Mixed Reviews.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 31: A15.
3.
CohenStevenWilliam EimickeMark KamletPearsonRobert. 1998. “The Information Resource Management Program: A Case Study in Distance Education.” Journal of Public Affairs Education, 4(3): 179–192.
4.
GilbertLarryMooreDavid R.. 1998. “Building Interactivity into Web Courses: Tools for Social and Instructional Interaction.” Educational Technology, 38(3): 29–35.
5.
HiltzStarr Roxanne. 1994. The Virtual Classroom: Learning Without Limits via Computer Networks.Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishing Corporation.
6.
HoldenMichaelMitchellWilliam. 1993. “The Future of Computer-Mediated Communications in Higher Education.” EDUCOM Review, 28(2): 31–37.
7.
LeavittWilliam M.RichmanRoger S.. 1997 “The High Tech MPA: Distance Learning Technology and Graduate Public Administration Education.” Journal of Public Affairs Education, 3(1): 13–27.
8.
LewingtonJennifer. 1995. “Canada's On-Line MBA.” The Chronicle of Higher Education, March 17: A41–42.
9.
NavarroPeter. 1998. “Notes from the Electronic Classroom.” Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, 17(1): 106–115.
10.
RahmDianneReedB. J.. 1997. “Going Remote: The Use of Distance Learning, World Wide Web, and the Internet in Graduate Programs of Public Affairs and Administration.” Public Productivity and Management Review, 20(4): 459–474.
11.
ReedB.J.1998. “Pedagogical Issues in Distance Learning: The Case of Public Affairs Education.” Presented at the Western Social Science Association conference, April.
12.
RiveroVictor. 1998. “Mortarboards Without Bricks.” Converge, 1(2): 40–42.
13.
SmithBurck. 1998. “The Coop-etition Dilemma.” Converge, 1(2): 58–59.
14.
SpitzerDean R.1998. “Rediscovering the Social Context of Distance Learning.” Educational Technology, 38 (2): 52–56.
15.
StowersGenie N. L.1995. “Getting Left Behind?: Gender Differences in Computer Conferencing.” Public Productivity and Management Review, 19(2): 143–159.
16.
ThrelkeldRobertBrzoskaKaren. 1994. “Research in Distance Education.” In WillisBarry, Distance Education: Strategies and Tools.Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications.
