Distance Learning Students vs Traditional Students in a Small Business Management Course

Abstract

The performance of distant students on a business simulation and related exercises in a Small Business Management course was compared with that of on-campus students and the variables associated with the performance of each student group examined. Distant students matched or exceeded the performance of on-campus students in spite of the setbacks associated with distance learning. Work experience and rational information processing were associated with performance for distant students but not on-campus (Internal) students. Distant students were more able than on-campus students to achieve the multiple learning objectives of the course. Exercises that bridge the work experience gap can be beneficial to on-campus students.