A conceptual framework for integrating industry/client-sponsored projects into online capstone courses

Abstract

To address the growing need for incorporating experiential learning into online degree programs, this paper proposes a design framework that would integrate industry-sponsored projects into online capstone courses. The design could be applicable to any program at any institution. The research and data used to develop the framework was gathered from literature review and a survey of University of Maryland University College (UMUC) graduate programs. The proposed framework was tested in two capstone courses using industry/client sponsored projects in the authors' disciplines as the first stage of testing of the model.