Meeting the Challenges of Distance Learning

Alex Murray
Assistant Professor of Management

Murray made several adjustments to his 300-level management course due to the remote modality with fully synchronous delivery. “He framed the class as an entrepreneurial opportunity,” said Anne Parmigiani, Department of Management head and Carolyn S. Chambers Professor of Management. Instead of being challenged by technology, Murray embraced it, designing his course webpage to resemble an Instagram interface and using podcast-based cases and guest speakers, which allowed for connection with students in a novel way while also saving them money on materials. He required each student to present, noting that developing skills to work remotely and in virtual teams will be necessary in their future workplaces. Finally, he discussed ways to apply course topics to solve broader systemic and societal issues, including several classes related to COVID-19 events and the Black Lives Matter movement.