AU’S EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAMS GO HIGH TECH WITH VIDEO iPODS

AUBURN - When Auburn University’s College of Business provided video iPods this fall to students in its Executive M.B.A. programs, it joined a growing number of colleges and universities using this high-tech tool for higher education.

Students entering the Class of 2008 Executive M.B.A. and Physicians Executive M.B.A. classes received video iPods preloaded with business basics such as accounting, economics, marketing and finance.

“We strive to keep our programs on the leading edge of technology, and to use the best delivery system available for our students,” said Dan Gropper, Associate Dean, M.B.A. Programs.
The business foundations material, self-taught and self-tested, helps provide a basic level of background knowledge to help these students move into the degree program.

“The video iPod has been a very convenient way to review some of the basic business concepts in preparation for the Physicians EMBA program,” said Jan Westerman, Physicians EMBA Class of 2008. “One of my teenage kids thought this was very cool, while the other complained that it was not fair - they only had a nano!” said Westerman.

“The video iPod is extremely portable, and since our Executive MBA students travel extensively, it is perfect for them,” said Gropper. “Since the iPod is basically a 60GB hard drive, it can also be loaded with lots of instructional material, and then synched to their computer so they can print out what they need. The students have already figured out ways to download their other assignments onto the iPod. Who knows what they will come up with next!”

In addition to the foundation materials loaded on the iPods, students also receive course materials delivered on DVDs. Each DVD contains a full-motion video lecture, supplementary print, photo and slide materials, test and review questions and internet links. Through an online learning platform, students can work with team members on group assignments, ask questions and hold discussions with their professors and classmates, submit homework, download course materials and stay in touch with the program.

Since the start of the EMBA program in 1998 and the PEMBA program in 1999, more than 200 degrees have been conferred. With tuition of $42,840 for the EMBA program and $49,875 for the PEMBA program, these programs include not only the latest in technology but also an international study trip to Asia or Europe.

“Our executive programs provide the resources and a venue where we can try leading-edge concepts, and explore ideas that, where appropriate, can be used across the entire curriculum,” said Dean and Wachovia Professor Paul Bobrowski. “Our creative technology partners have done a super job developing this platform, and we can envision some very interesting possibilities.”

The College of Business at Auburn University is accredited at the undergraduate and graduate levels by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the highest standard of achievement for business schools. Less than one-third of U.S. business schools and only 15 percent of business schools worldwide meet the rigorous standards of AACSB International accreditation. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review.

Auburn University is a preeminent land-grant and comprehensive research institution with more than 23,500 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama’s largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.

(Contributed by Dina Kanellos.)

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