Using an Internet‐based distance learning model to teach introductory finance

This paper focuses on the development of an Internet‐based distance learning model for teaching the introductory finance course in the Finance Department at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), America’s newest institution of higher education which opened in August 1997. An important component of the mission of FGCU is the incorporation of technology and the needs of the regional community into curriculum design. The department felt it was important to develop a separate Internet‐based course as an alternative to the traditional in‐class introductory finance course. In this Internet‐based course students are required to participate in a “boot camp” for the first few weeks, which covers only the most complex aspects of the course. After this initial period, the course is completely Web‐based in design. The Web page for this course, located at http://www.tmag.com/sgarrison/courses/fin3240d/index.html, contains a variety of pedagogical materials to help students learn and comprehend course content.