Introducing Computer‐Mediated Communications into Participative Management Education: the Impact on the Tutor's Role

Abstract

This paper looks at the effect of the introduction of Computer‐Mediated Communications (CMC) in Management Education. It focuses, in particular, on the impact of such technology on the role of tutor. It contrasts the literature on the role of the moderator in CMC, which recommends a directive approach, with the experience of tutors who introduced this medium into a highly participative and non‐directive course, the MA in Management Learning at the University of Lancaster. It shows that tutors can work in a more participative way than the literature would suggest but that working in this way, whether online or face‐to‐face, is not without its difficulties.