Course Author: Dorothy Jones

From the Author:

"As a professor, student success is very important. With this philosophy as the overarching goal, BUS 330 was redesigned to be more learner-centered.  The Blackboard Exemplary Course Program (ECP) helped to validate this redesign was on target.  The process ensured the essential standards of quality were met, and students were actively engaged in the learning process.  External review does make a difference and is essential for continuous improvement.    This experience is an outstanding professional development opportunity for individuals interested in developing high-quality online courses."

About the Course:

Students enrolled in BUS 330 Business Communication--techniques for writing management-oriented internal and external communications--are virtually interviewed and are hired to work as interns for Jones Communications, Inc.   The student interns participate in a ten-week hypothetical virtual internship program to complete their course work and enhance their real-world career experiences and learning skills.  Using Web 2.0 tools, the interns work in teams.  After completing the internship agreement, the interns rotate through six different defined career roles, complete six peer-review team assignments, attend training sessions, fill out performance appraisal forms for each peer review assignment, complete formative and summative assessments for six learning modules, and maintain a weekly reflective journal.  At the end of the virtual hypothetical internship, the interns complete an exit portfolio and a digital presentation.