As technology becomes integral to the business practices of many companies, several professors teaching courses in campus-based and online business degree programs are using innovative tools to keep their students abreast of emerging trends in the industry.

While online degree program instructors have been using e-mail and online platforms such as Blackboard to communicate with students, post assignments and provide supplementary material, some professors are taking to the internet to integrate all members of their respective industries.

For example, Robert Handfield, a professor of supply chain management at a North Carolina-based school, has announced the launch of a blog that will track trends in the supply chain and operations sector.

Handfield called the blog an opportunity to “let others know what is going on in the field of supply chain management, and a chance for me to stay in touch with those who share a common interest in my work.”

Business students may find similar platforms for discussion by enrolling in online masters degree programs, which typically integrate online cohorts and virtual group projects into their curricula.