RSM’s Parttime Master Bedrijfskunde programme will offer elements of its courses and curriculum through online applications from September 2015, including short lecture videos, simulations, team work and coaching in a digital learning environment, and small group synchronous online lectures.
The two-year business administration programme for professionals with work experience is designed to broaden their management competencies. It compares best practices, presents academic theory and practice, and is taught in Dutch. The part-time programme includes evening classes, an international project, and opportunities to put new knowledge into practice immediately.
Online components
Current students of the Dutch-taught Parttime Master Bedrijfskunde programme already started using the online components. “It’s a great addition to traditional teaching methods,” says participant Andy Wijman, who is the head of business and IT solutions at Eneco. “The online elements help to properly prepare for the lectures at the business school. I can also review the lectures online wherever and whenever I want.”
Flexible learning
The executive master programme’s campus lectures remain dedicated to in-depth discussions between teachers and students, the practical application of theories and tools, and group-based learning processes. Through the online components, learning becomes more effective and allows for more flexibility through the smart integration of digital, traditional and social learning formats. This also saves participants travel time through flexible learning schedules – on and off campus.
The online instructional videos, group tutorials, teacher availability and simulation games “all contribute to increasing the effectiveness the knowledge and skills that participants learn,” says Dr Tom Mom, academic director of RSM’s Parttime Master Bedrijfskunde programme. He adds that faculty members learned about course development, explored the software to make this possible, and also see the online components’ value for improved education.
More interaction
Mom said that he already notices an increase in programme registrations. “When participants come to the campus lectures, there is now more interaction and discussion in the classroom because the basic learning and pre-work has already been done online,” he said. “It’s also easier for professionals from all over the country to participate because the programme requires less travelling to Rotterdam than before. It’s a win-win for the effectiveness of learning, and for the practicalities of combining work with studying.”
