Student perceptions of face-to-face induction for on-line programmes

This paper is concerned with student perceptions regarding a face-to-face orientation event prior to commencing an on-line MSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management. The curriculum is offered collaboratively by four institutions located in the UK, Germany and the USA, and delivered by technology to students anywhere in the world. The second cohort of students on this programme were interviewed and their expectations and perceptions regarding the orientation event explored. The findings suggest that the students valued participation at the event but that their expectations were learnt as a result of attendance and were not necessarily those that they experienced prior to attendance. Students valued, amongst other aspects, the chance of meeting their peers, putting faces to names, the opportunity to build trust and felt that they would be more able to participate in the group work that is a feature of the programme.