Innovations and Future Directions for Experiential Learning for a Large Online Business Degree Program

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to begin to answer the question of how and why experiential learning methodologies might be modified in order to be introduced effectively into an online human resources management degree program. Traditionally, experiential learning is a philosophy of learning by doing and includes internships, apprenticeships; field work, clinical application, cooperative education, fellowships, practicums, service learning, student teaching, study abroad, and volunteer experiences. However, it is exceptionally difficult to deliver instructionally sound real-life experiential learning experiences. Further research is needed to identify the experiential learning methodologies which would be most practical for a large online university business degree program.