Effectively Teach Professionals Online: Explaining and Testing Educational Psychology Theories

E-learning is popular around the world but contemporary university students may not be satisfied with just online asynchronous discussions. The catalyst for this research was negative survey feedback and lower academic performance in online MBA and MSCS courses as compared with traditional classes. Although top-quality technology was available (learning management systems and full synchronous video/audio software), online versions of the business strategy and marketing management courses averaged slightly lower student performance and satisfaction. Students stated they wanted what was available at campus, except they wanted it online from their home during 'international time zone friendly' periods. Contemporary educational psychology paradigms were reviewed - conditioning, behaviorism, cognitive development, constructivism and social learning ? to propose a new online professional teaching model. The proposed online professional teaching model was tested with international MBA students (executives and managers of companies in Europe, Australia, Africa, and North America). The new model was found to significantly increase student satisfaction and their academic performance.