The Effects of Flow on Learning Outcomes in an Online Information Management Cou

Authors

Don Rossin, University of Michigan - Dearborn
Young K. Ro, University of Michigan - Dearborn
Barbara D. Klein, University of Michigan - Dearborn
Yi M. Guo, University of Michigan - Dearborn

Abstract

As online courses and programs expand in business schools, it becomes increasingly important to understand the link between students' experiences in these courses and learning outcomes. The study reported here investigates the relationship between students' experiences of flow, a psychological state generally associated with improved task performance, and learning outcomes in an online information management course taught in an MBA program. Four learning outcomes (objective learning performance, perceived learning of the subject matter, perceived skill development, and student satisfaction) are predicted to be affected by an overall flow score, four dimensions of flow, and three characteristics of flow activities. Support is found for a relationship between flow and students' perceived learning of the subject matter, students' perceived skill development, and student satisfaction. The findings of the study have implications for the design and instruction of online courses offered in business schools.

Recommended Citation

Rossin, Don; Ro, Young K.; Klein, Barbara D.; and Guo, Yi M. (2009) "The Effects of Flow on Learning Outcomes in an Online Information Management Cou," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 20 : Iss. 1 , 87-98.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol20/iss1/9