A Review of Internship Opportunities in Online Learning: Building a New Conceptual Framework for a Self-Regulated Internship in Hospitality
Date
2017
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Canadian Network for Innovation in Education
Abstract
The primary purpose of the article was to build a framework for an innovative approach to online internships after examining best practices in hospitality internships. Learning the ins and outs of an industry virtually, using contemporary internship methods strengthens the student's expertise and better prepares them for future workplace environments. Researchers find value in the virtual component of the internship experience, yet, none of them connect the use of the virtual experience to one that is conducted on the ground as well. Existing self-regulated learning models and virtual internship models do not integrate a ground-based component. Existing hospitality internship frameworks do not incorporate a distance learning component. The increase of virtual internships is beneficial to developing student confidence, building relationships, and mirroring their real-life experience in the workplace. Furthermore, real-world experiences can be more important for online students when they graduate and go into the workforce. Thus, a new framework had to be created to integrate distance learning with ground-based internships in the hospitality industry. Schools using this model will enable students to gain valuable experience and interviewing skills, build confidence and professionalism to seek and find an internship that is germane to their passion.
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Keywords
Virtual Internship, Hospitality Management, Online University, Online Learning, Distance Learning, Self-Regulated Internship, Hospitality Teaching
Citation
Sykes, D.M. & Roy, J. (2017). A review of internship opportunities in online learning: Building a new conceptual framework for a self-regulated internship in hospitality. International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education, 32(1).