Explore Virtual iMBA Offerings at Lake Forest
It’s time to digitize the way students learn business at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. The school is offering an innovative avatar learning iMBA where students can access an online curriculum that provides access to the organizational structure of a virtual reality company. Sounds pretty crazy, right? The virtual company includes all facets of sales, production, management, competition and growth opportunities.
iMBA students are presented with 10 unique departments within a company to explore, including marketing, human resources, finance, organizational strategy and leadership. They have the opportunity discover each department’s essential functions, as well as learn its personnel needs. This program is a one-of-a-kind immersion experience that opens access to a real-life business environment – from home.
Lake Forest designed the iMBA Program in 2012 to eliminate barriers between distance education students by providing a convenient alternative to on-campus coursework and is structured on 75 percent virtual reality learning and 25 percent discussion and group work. The course runs for a total of 12 modules over an eight-week course. In some courses, text books are required while others provide resources through the avatar manager. The manager moves you to the next module when learning benchmarks are accomplished. As iMBA students progress through the coursework, they are evaluated by a business leader faculty member, who facilitates discussion and provides coaching.
Every student is required to respond in the program as if they were actually present for a class. This allows other students to see and learn from those responses, enhancing the virtual experience. In this environment, the learning is hands-on and collaborative, which encourages students to ask questions, seek clarification and learn as a group. Fostering a supportive environment for students creates a sense of business community, which heightens the academic success of students in our iMBA Program.
Visit the Lake Forest Event Page here to find out when an upcoming iMBA Preview night is happening.
About the Author
Max Pulcini
Max Pulcini is a Philadelphia-based writer and reporter. He has an affinity for Philly sports teams, Super Smash Bros. and cured meats and cheeses. Max has written for Philadelphia-based publications such as Spirit News, Philadelphia City Paper, and Billy Penn, as well as national news outlets like The Daily Beast.
