Comparing Alternative Teaching Modes in a Masters Program: Student Preferences and Perceptions

Abstract

The amount of online learning has increased significantly in recent years. A Midwest university offers three modes of instruction for its Masters in Public Policy and Administration Program: totally on-campus courses, totally online courses, and a hybrid of eight on-campus courses and four online courses. The author conducted a survey of the Midwest university alumni and students to assess the preferences of adult learners for the different modes of instruction, their perceptions of the process, and their perceptions of the learning outcomes. Analysis of the survey responses indicates that the majority of adult learners value the flexibility and other aspects of online classes while still desiring on-campus classes for the interaction with other students and the professor for the learning outcomes.

Keywords:

• public administration
• online learning
• hybrid learning
• student perceptions of online learning

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karl Nollenberger

Karl Nollenberger is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh in the Public Administration Program. He teaches in the Masters Program. He has 10 years of academic experience and 30 years in the field in city/county management.