The QUISproject QUality Interoperability and Standards in elearning

• The QUIS-project (QUality, Interoperability and Standards in e-learning) is a Transversal project in EUs e. Learning Programme. • Look at Cost Effectiveness and Cost Efficiency in elearning, in the perspective of the User, the Provider and the Society • Develop models for cost effectiveness in e-learning based on both a theoretical and a best practice approach. Tor Atle Hjeltnes, TISIP Börje Hansson, Mid Sweden University 1

Background • Many institutions and e-learning networks have experienced how difficult it is control the cost of developing and running net based education. • Our aim is to develop models for cost efficient and cost effective implementation and running of net based education. 2

Methodology • Search for relevant case studies, research reports, and other literature on cost effectiveness and cost efficiency in elearning (from 1999) • Categorize them and make a report presenting our finings related to Cost Effectiveness and Cost Efficiency in elearning, in the perspective of the User, the Provider and the Society 3

Challenges • • Different ”perspectives” Different parts of the world Different kind of learning Cost is not always main focus, but still relevant • Different conclusions in the literature 4

Findings • • Many articles with institutions perspective Some with the society perspective. None with our all-embracing perspective Research is done in both Asia, Europe and North America with a “local” focus • Great differences also between nearby countries (ex. Who is paying) 5

Findings • Focus not just e-learning but: Computer based training, Distance education, net-based training, Computer mediated communication • Learning effectiveness, the ability to recruit and who is paying is also crucial, looking at cost effective solutions • No unanimity in the literature (can e-learning be cost effective? ) 6

Important • Organizations can be effective but not necessarily efficient. • Ex. Norwegians can be taught Italian very effectively (such that those who have done the course speak Italian like native), but if the cost of doing this is five times the cost of any comparable programme, then it has not been very efficient. 7

From the society's perspective • Why is e-learning cost effective – effective way to educate people, provides a more educated society – time saving for teacher and student – remove geographical barriers, higher accessibility – avoid costly duplication of courses – compete in an international market – competence in technology 8

From the institution perspective • Pedagogic - E-learning can make the teaching more learning centred, natural progress, more student/teacher time • Administrative – Greater flexibility, easier to monitor students – find cost saving information thru research • Economic – Economy of scale, Re-use and modularization, become more competitive, more students per teacher, replace expensive labour hours 9

From the students/company perspective • Costs and savings with distance education – – Combine work and studies Don’t have to move Study in their own pace Study pace can vary depending on work load 10

Costs for developing, administrating and running distance education • Often underestimated or the possibility to save money are overestimated • To much savings can lead to - low quality, low throughput and worn-out teachers 11

The cost of Networked Learning (CNL) • Report studied in the Neworkers project • Bacsich, Ash, Boniwell, Kaplan et. al, Sheffield Hallam University • Cost elements: – Human Resource Costs – Production and Delivery Costs – Development Costs – Equipment Costs – Consumable Costs – Facilities Costs – Administration Costs 12

CNL cost model Planning the learning experience/environment Maintaining Developing T s s A S Managing Providing A = Academic Staff S = Students T = Support Staff 13

Further work in Neworkers • Develop guidelines for cost-effectiveness in e-learning • Questions are welcome. . 14