Do executive students feel a sense of community in the online classroom? Implications for online management education and student learning experiences

Abstract

This article forms part of an exploration into how executive students within an online learning environment compare with students of an onsite learning environment with regard to feelings of community during their learning experience. In order to better understand this phenomenon, a survey was conducted in 2012, which revealed new insight and understanding into the manner in which executive students experience the online learning process with regard to feelings of community. The results of this study provide academics and training practitioners with insight and understanding of the online learning experience from the students' point of view. This study also provides practical implications for management education methods that lead to feelings of satisfaction and positive outcomes for learners within an online environment.