Teaching Regional Studies with Case Studies in Asynchronous Online Officer PME: The Benefits and Challenges

Abstract

Regional Studies is a key component of Professional Military Education. Regional Studies Courses prepare officers for working in an unfamiliar part of the world and working in that part of the world with allies and partners from those regions. The United States Air Force Global College of Professional Military Education provides a suite of regional studies courses on a wide variety of regions that provide an introduction to the region, its  people(s), and the challenges the region has faced, is facing and is likely to face.

Providing this specialized knowledge via asynchronous online education presents numerous challenges. The Global College has decided that case studies—often presented via a professionally produced in-house video—provide the best means of ensuring quality education that also serves the needs of our students.

 This article drawing on the author’s experience of developing and managing case studies in asynchronous online officer professional military explores how case studies are created and incorporated into the course and how students are assessed on the material presented in the case studies.