THE ROLE OF ONLINE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN POST-GRADUATE EDUCATION:
THE CASE OF BUSINESS STRATEGY SIMULATION AT STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY, SOUTH AFRICA

Johan Hough
Department of Business Management
Stellenbosch University
South Africa

The purpose of this paper is to describe a case study for the use of experiential learning (business strategy simulation) at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, especially as regards the expan¬sion of e-learning opportunities at the postgraduate level. This is achieved by establishing alternative access routes through creating an on-line experiential study environment. The discussion takes into account the University’s existing technological infrastructure. The case study takes its direction in particular from the increased role of educational technology in the 21st century. The current situation at the University with regard to technology-enhanced learning is broadly described. This includes a short explanation of the blended use of the Telematic satellite-based platform (iTE), Blackboard, as well as other online support services. The current ICT developments in Africa are also briefly discussed. The paper highlights the purpose, advantages and disadvantages of business simulations. The case of on-line simulation in a post-graduate business strategy course is described and the results of student’s feedback are analysed. The paper ends with the challenge to find the optimal blend of practical higher education learn¬ing experiences that can be enhanced by the most favourable and feasible mixture of ICT applications under certain limited conditions.

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