Web-Based Instruction in Sport Management

Abstract

Web-based courses are being adopted by academics in higher education, including by sport management instructors. While this adoption has progressed rapidly, there is a definite paucity of research on the effectiveness of Web-based instruction in the discipline of sport management. The purpose of the present study was to describe an online course in sport management that was delivered in the spring semester of 2001. Comparisons are made with another section of the same class that was taught using the conventional lecture format. Mixed methods, including a questionnaire, student assessments, and an instructor's log were used to report the findings of this particular research endeavour. Research conducted by Bennett, Henson, and Connaughton (2001) served as a framework for this particular inquiry. Bennett et al. (2001) surveyed one Web-based class and found participants were extremely pleased with their Web-based learning experience. Results from the present study indicated both similar outcomes and additional findings regarding student learning. For example, these students reported optimal satisfaction with their experience in the Webbased class, including the interaction that they received from the instructor of the class and the convenience of taking a class via the Internet. The results also indicated that these participants compared their experience in the online class quite favourably with their experiences in conventional courses. Additional noteworthy findings focused on student learning in the Web-based environment. When compared with the conventional sport management class, the Web-based students scored equally well on quizzes and examinations. Respondents also reported negative experiences with the Web-based quizzes and the lack of social interaction with class peers.