Reflective learning and on-line management education: a comparison of traditional and on-line MBA students

In recent years higher education has witnessed dramatic changes brought on by the advent of diversified forms of management education. Advances in multi‐media and Internet technologies have generated explosive growth in on‐line learning. The ability to engage in reflective thinking is important for managers, especially during periods of change. An important aim of management education is to develop this ability. On‐line education has been criticized for its inability to foster critical thinking in students. A case study of an American MBA programme at the University of Wisconsin‐Whitewater is presented which compares reflective learning in on‐line and traditional classes. Evidence is presented which dispels the myth that on‐line management education is less effective for fostering reflective thinking. The findings do suggest that reflective thinking does take different paths in on‐line versus traditional management education delivery systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.