In this study I investigated whether instructor classroom behaviors, called "imme
diacy behaviors," are significantly associated with student learning and satisfaction in Web-based MBA courses. Immediacy behaviors represent instructors' attempts
to reduce the social distance between themselves and their students. While my
study found that immediacy behaviors were positive predictors of student learning
and course satisfaction, such other factors as student attitudes toward course soft
ware, the length of a course, and prior student and instructor experience with
Web-based courses were also significant predictors. These findings suggest that
both structural characteristics of MBA programs and instructor behavior merit
attention for Web-based courses to successfully deliver graduate management
education.
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