Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/58065
EAIE BizEd-07 21-11-2006 12:53 Pagina 1 for e-Learning Excellence." The guidelines detail the peer review process for development, the best practices in devel- opment and execution of distance classes, the deliverables in the development process, and the payment schedule as deliverables are met. They also describe what the univer- sity considers a quality product and outline the intellectual property rights of the faculty. Faculty who develop a course are expected to maintain its currency and train others in its use. The Future of Distance While these two models have been successful for specific institutions, distance learning programs can be customized to suit any school or student body. Unfortunately, many business schools are refusing to consider distance educa- tion, thus leaving the field to commercial entities such as University of Phoenix and Capella University. But most experts believe business schools can't afford to ignore dis- tance learning. A paradigm shift is occurring, bringing about the cycle of "creative destruction" described by Joseph Schumpeter and elaborated on by Clayton Christensen. As the theory goes, innovation by one group can destroy the monopoly enjoyed by longtime market leaders, and companies that fail to in- novate in turn will fall behind. In the case of management education, distance learning is the disruptive technology that is threatening traditional classrooms. While online programs initially might be addressed to underserved markets—stu- dents who cannot meet the time and geography require- ments of face-to-face classes—eventually distance programs will become more popular with mainstream segments of the market as well. Schools that don't adapt will suffer, while schools that aggressively embrace distance learning are likely to take leadership positions. Technology will only become more pervasive in our soci- ety, and more individuals will expect it to meet their educa- tional needs. As long as some schools are providing distance education—and providing it well—all schools must be aware of its potential, both to disrupt and enhance their classrooms. The best plan is to discover the right way to turn the virtual classroom into a competitive advantage. ■ z Andres Fortino is associate provost and dean of the Westchester Cam- pus of Polytechnic University in New York, New York. He was formerly dean of the School of Management at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, and associate dean at George Mason University before that. Paige P. Wolf is an assistant professor of management at George Mason University's School of Management in Fairfax, Virginia. Learn, practise, network Integrating competencies in business school programmes Registration deadline 1 March 2007 For courses on credential evaluation, management skills, marketing and recruitment, and intercultural communication see www.eaie.org/training Subscribing to BizEd is as easy as Please go to www.aacsb.edu. Click on »Subscribe to BizEd now. Then click on Subscribe Online Fill out the short subscriber form and click Submit It's that simple! Or you can print out the brief subscription form and send with your check to: AACSB International 777 South Harbour Island Blvd. Suite 750 Tampa, Florida 33602-5730 Either way, you'll quickly be plugged into six issues of the most comprehensive information on management education worldwide. BizEd JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007 35 click, click, click.