16 - Using technology to teach management

Summary

Man is a tool-using animal.

– Thomas Carlyle

In this chapter, we examine the best practices for the use of technology to enrich the learning experience. The students who are now arriving in our management programs have been using computers for most of their careers. Today's typical MBA students and young managers have been computer-literate since childhood, and are capable of playing a multi-user, online game with global challengers while they listen to digital music and use Instant Messaging to interact with their friends. Some will even say they can add homework preparation to this extreme multitasking lifestyle.

Through the following perspectives, we will examine the use of technology to engage this technologically proficient generation of students in a rich learning experience:

1. Pre-class preparation and exercises

2. In-class technology use

3. Post-class reflection and exercises

4. Assignment submission tools

5. Team project technology support

6. Orchestrating the total experience.

Numerous examples of technology innovators from the leading business schools are presented in this chapter. Many thanks for their contributions to this work and to the profession.

Pre-class preparation and exercises

The use of technology to support a student's preparation for class often provides the most benefit relative to the level of instructor effort involved. School-, university-, or corporate-level resources can be leveraged without a unique development effort for a single course, if such tools are available. If not, simple-to-use tools may be implemented to enable a motivated instructor to accomplish much of what is discussed in this chapter.