Supporting Dynamic Case-based Learning Discussions in Online Marketing and Business Courses that are Comparable to Face-to-Face Engagement

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Session Materials

Brief Abstract

To support the attainment of learning outcomes using remote online case-based learning (RO-CBL), this workshop seeks to explore suitable practices, as well as challenges for online course design and online learning activities for higher education marketing and business programs that seek to integrate case-based learning (CBL). In CBL students work in small, collaborative groups to solve problems. CBL can be a valuable tool to support deep learning about realistic problems in a range of fields by inducing more critical thinking skills. As CBL relies heavily on discussion, in-class reflection, and the learners’ ability to convey their views, effective communication is important. The effective use of CBL in online education (remote online CBL or “RO-CBL”) presents both opportunities and challenges when compared to use of CBL in traditional face-to-face courses. This workshop seeks to support effective use of CBL in online business courses.

 

Presenters

Lead Presenter: William Prado, Prescott College

Dr. William Prado has 20 years of experience in online education, including in administration, instruction, and course and curriculum design. He teaches sustainable business and other management subjects, and has served as Dean of Graduate and Online Programs at Green Mountain College and Prescott College. Currently Bill is the Director of the MBA in Sustainability Leadership and Sustainability Management programs at Prescott College. He also serves on the Institutional Advisory Committee of NC-SARA. Bill’s work in education is informed by a focus on BIPOC and marginalized students’ success, including integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion dimensions rooted in his experience as a first generation American Latinx and also as a first generation college graduate.

Co-presenter: Carolyn Marsh, Prescott College

Extended Abstract

Case-based learning (CBL) is an educational approach where students work in small, collaborative groups to solve problems. CBL can be a valuable tool to support deep learning about realistic problems in a range of fields by inducing more critical thinking skills. As CBL relies heavily on discussion, in-class reflection, and the learners’ ability to convey their views, effective communication is important. The effective use of CBL in online education (remote online CBL or “RO-CBL”) presents both opportunities and challenges when compared to use of CBL in traditional face-to-face courses.  To support the attainment of learning outcomes using RO-CBL, this workshop seeks to explore suitable practices, as well as challenges for online course design and online learning activities for higher education marketing and business programs. 

 

Following a plenary session review of the salient findings in the literature comparing RO-CBL with traditional face-to-face CBL, participants will break out into zoom groups to explore the challenges and opportunities related to the integration of RO-CBL in the business and management programs at their institutions. In addition, participants will be invited to share their approaches to challenges faced by other participants. The group will then reconvene in a plenary session to share highlights of the breakout group work with all attendees.     

 

Level of participation

 

Facilitators will engage the audience using insights, prompts, and polls to guide discussions in the plenary and breakout discussions. Participants will engage in individual and collective exercises to explore RO-CBL as they share their experiences and lessons learned.

 

Session goals

 

After the session, participants will be more familiarized with RO-CBL as a tool to support learning about realistic problems in a range of fields, including business and management. They will also have a better understanding of how situational course and program factors impact the approach to RO-CBL in the online classroom. Lastly, participants will leave with a toolkit, including a framework, key questions, and resources that they can use to ask key questions, frame discussions, and engage colleagues at their institutions to advance effective use of RO-CBL. 

 

SPEAKERS

 

Carolyn Marsh, M.B.A has over 6 years of experience in online business education.  She teaches and designs courses in sustainable business including marketing, leadership and organizational development at Green Mountain College and Prescott College in the MBA in Sustainability Leadership program.  Prior to teaching Carolyn had a 30+ year career in sales and marketing at IBM and currently is a consultant in marketing and business development. She leverages this extensive practical business experience to provide her students with real world insights in the virtual classroom setting.

 

William Prado, D.B.A. has over 15 years of experience in online education, including in administration, instruction, and course and curriculum design. He teaches sustainable business and other management subjects and has served as Dean of Graduate and Online Programs at Green Mountain College and at Prescott College. Currently, Bill is the Director of the MBA in Sustainability Leadership and Sustainability Management programs at Prescott College. He’s designed business courses and curricula for Green Mountain College, Prescott College, and for higher education clients of the publishers Cengage and Pearson. He also serves on the Institutional Advisory Committee of NC-SARA and is active in the Online Learning Consortium, where most recently Co-Chaired the 2022 Conference DEI Committee. Bill’s work in education is informed by a focus on BIPOC and marginalized students’ success, including integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion dimensions rooted in his experience as a first-generation American Latinx and also as a first-generation college graduate.