Learning Resources

Planning for Cost-Efficiencies in Online Learning

Planning and planners must take the lead in ensuring that the design of on-line learning programs is both cost-efficient and productive. This must happen with some urgency because the gap between online learning models and implementation has been closing more rapidly than planners’ knowledge about online learning has been growing.

From Volume 33 Number 3 | March–May 2005

Abstract: This article proposes a framework that can help institutions break down and analyze the costs of online learning so they can make decisions about how to improve the cost-efficiencies of online education. The framework involves looking at costs across elements (which include the two stages of development and delivery plus administration of the enterprise) and seven factors: students, faculty, other staff, course design, content, infrastructure, and policy. The elements and factors may combine and interact, thereby improving (or not improving) cost-efficiencies. Where possible, current research results are included and areas where research is needed are identified.

Institutions Mentioned: Open University, University of Central Florida, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Planning Types: Resource Planning, Academic Planning
Tags: Cost of Higher Ed, Learning Technology, Online Learning

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Distance Education and Digital Intellectual Property Issues

By: David C. DiRamio,Gerald C. Kops

Information technologies shine a bright light on weaknesses in intellectual property laws, and that light may shine the brightest in distance education, where practical and effective policies and procedures are needed right now.

From Volume 32 Number 3 | March–May 2004

Abstract: While many colleges and universities enthusiastically push forward to create new online courses, important campus policies regarding copyright and academic intellectual property in the digital age lag behind. Policy questions regarding ownership and control of online courses and how the new TEACH Act affects the concept of fair use of copyrighted materials continue to go unanswered on many campuses. Results from a survey of more than 180 faculty and administrators representing 60 colleges and universities reveal that policies vary widely by institution type and across higher education as a whole.