I have been experimenting with new technologies for teaching Strategy for
several years. Last year I was able to create an entirely online course in
a few days. Now in my third term of web-based teaching, I can assure you
that not lugging heavy textbooks around is great. I use an e-textbook
comprised of strategy modules from eSocrates.com . I had eSocrates act as a
portal for multimedia cases with streaming video that I selected from
I-Case. eSocrates provided me with a course website that has bulletin
boards, e-testing (long-answer and short-answer versions), e-rosters,
student home pages sections, an assignment site, course chatrooms (I hold
class there when I'm stuck at home with flu), etc. All this is much cheaper
for students than your typical strategy book and provides them with skills
and experience that matter a lot in the marketplace. The way I have it set
up is that students buy a password to access course materials directly from
eSocrates via phone or email. It works better than the bookstore ever did
for me! (Materials appear instantly). I have students use AltaVista's
translation utility to use materials on French, Spanish, Italian, German and
Portuguese company and other websites in doing their examinations. I use
access from your home computer (take-home?) format.
Since I really think that eSocrates is the way to have strategy teachers
around the globe jump into the new technological context of web-based
teaching I am inviting YOU to visit my course site at:
http://www.esocrates.com/cgi-bin/socrates.cgi?wankc004
To facilitate this you'll need to use:
user name = guest11
password = guest11
One part of the site that you might find of interest is the BULLETIN BOARD.
You'll see how I have students post comments on articles relevant to
business strategy from the New York Times (available for free online) daily
technology section. You might find the ASSIGNMENTS part of the site to be
of interest. I have them devising ways to leverage forthcoming virtual
reality technologies in corporate strategies of the future (selling VR seats
at baseball games ON THE BALL itself). I wouldn't mind if you look at the
examinations (use the QUIZZER button on the main course site). Student
answers are viewed through the instructors entrance button. You might visit
the section of my site with my students home pages. I bring a SONY Mavica
to class that takes diskettes instead of film. I appoint one student
photographer. Then each uses their digitized photo in making a website
using the wizard at Geocities.com . I have the early movers help the others
over problems. I think you'll find these student home pages really moving.
If you have any questions about how this works contact me at
wankelc@stjohns.edu . eSocrates.com's phone is 800-469-0684 and their email
is
socrates@esocrates.com . Information on I-case multimedia online cases
can be had from Joel Copeland at
jvcopeland@i-case.com .
The New York Times is FREE at:
http://www.nytimes.com/
The Altavista FREE translation utility is at:
http://babelfish.altavista.com/
Cybercollegially
Charlie Wankel
St. John's University, New York City
AOM MED Division Chair
Mg-Ed-Dv listmaster
wankelc@stjohns.edu