Executive MBA Programs continue to invest in technology solutions that increase flexibility for students, strengthen their ability to network, and bring greater impact to their learning experiences.

The latest research from the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) demonstrates EMBA Programs’ commitment to incorporating the strategic use of technology.

“As advancements in technology reshape the world, the demand for leaders capable of leveraging these technologies will be at an all-time high,” says Michael Desiderio, EMBAC executive director. “EMBA Programs give students the tools they need to position themselves as invaluable leaders in the market, including a keen understanding of the role and capabilities of technology.”

Through technology, EMBA Programs also can improve the student experience and offer students greater flexibility.

Over half of the programs in the 2018 EMBAC Membership Program Survey reported using distance learning, with the majority using live synchronous delivery. This annual survey offers the most comprehensive source of information on worldwide EMBA Programs.

More than 87 percent of the EMBAC members that represent 300-plus worldwide programs completed the 2018 survey, which was administered by Percept Research.

“EMBA Programs’ application of technology is helping make in-class, face-to-face time more meaningful in many ways,” says Desiderio. “When students prepare in advance through online course work and assignments, they come ready to fully engage. Faculty can spend more time leading hands-on learning experiences such as live case studies, small and large group discussions, and projects that tackle real-life business issues.”

Flexibility for EMBA students increases with technology as well: Online applications help students fit course work into their schedule, no matter where they are located.

In addition to online courses and course work, programs also marshal technology to take the learning experience to new levels, says Desiderio.

For example, more than 80 percent of surveyed programs help students better understand the impact of real-world strategies and decisions through business simulations.

According to the research findings, programs also enable technology to improve the EMBA learning experience in other ways, including:

• Nearly nine of 10 programs surveyed deliver course materials electronically.
• More than half of all programs deliver aspects of course work or lectures through video, and more than 60 percent record classroom discussions some or most of the time.
• Teleconferencing and web conferencing are slightly less popular among programs. Only 40 percent of programs employ teleconferencing technology at some level, and 47 percent employ web conferencing and webinars at some level.
• More than half of all programs use an updated learning platform. Learning platforms bring together in one online portal many tools and resources for the educational experience, including those that deliver content and increase communication among students, faculty, and staff.
• Programs also have begun to add elements of virtual learning to the curriculum: 45 percent of surveyed programs are enhancing the curriculum with some level of virtual learning.

The future will bring even more advancements, as programs explore the potential of virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, says Desiderio. “I think the technology will be used to embolden students, not just to further augment experiences. It will take learning to another level.”

For more findings on the 2018 survey, visit the EMBAC Newsroom. For stories about the EMBA experience, visit EMBA Buzz and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.