Revolutionizing online business education: Leveraging the Collaborative Engagement Experience-Based Learning (CEEBL) Framework in a Post-Pandemic World

Abstract

In this study, the CEEBL teaching framework is further explored across three academic levels of online business courses. These classes emphasize collaborative teamwork using hands-on activities with projects aimed at tackling real world challenges. Students form affinity groups to co-create solutions for the projects. The study covers the building of the courses utilizing the framework along with an assessment of student feedback post course, obtained via surveys. Results provide valuable insights for expanding the framework. These findings offer a pedagogical method for educators seeking to address the key-challenge of harmonizing academic rigor with practical application in business education.

Keywords:

• Pedagogical framework
• experience-based learning
• business education
• collaborative engagement learning
• experiential online learning

Ethical approval

Alfred University Human Subjects Research Committee approved the survey: Dr. Danielle Gagne, Chair; [phone] (Approval letter available upon request).

Disclosure statement

The authors also affirm that there is no conflict of interest.

Data availability statement

To the best of our knowledge there is no copyright material in this paper.

Notes

1 Professional socialization is the social interaction between novices and experienced practitioners (Adkins et al., 2021, p. 203).

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this study.

Notes on contributors

Shelly Freyn

Shelly L. Freyn is assistant professor of marketing and Trednnick chair in entrepreneurship at Alfred University. Shelly brings over a decade of teaching experience in competitive intelligence (CI), market research and strategy along with 20 years industry experience ranging from research and development to management. She is co-creator of one of the first undergraduate programs in the country in business and competitive intelligence. She is the recipient of Alfred University’s Excellence in Teaching award and was honored with a fellowship in CI. Her research efforts focus on integrating intelligence methodologies with business to improve strategy for both the boardroom and the classroom.

Mina Sedaghatjou

Mina Sedaghatjou is an Assistant Professor of STEAM Education at Rowan University, where her research primarily centers on STEM (Math/CS) education. [email protected]

Jean Ellefson

Jean Ellefson is assistant professor of analytics at Alfred University. Transitioning from a 25 year career at a Fortune 500 company, she brings a wealth of knowledge on intrapreneurship, analytics, technology, strategy, innovation and process management to the classroom. She co-created the business analytics and data analytics program at AU and serves on the board for United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Her research interests include systems optimization for the good, engagement for all and innovation. [email protected]

Theresa Gunn

Theresa Gunn is the Associate Dean for the College of Business at Alfred University as well as an Associate Professor of Accountancy and the MBA Director. She focuses her research in the areas of auditing and corporate capital structures. Dr. Gunn earned her PhD in Business Administration from Trident University and an MBA from Alfred University. [email protected]