1 The QUIS-project (QUality, Interoperability and Standards in e-learning) is a Transversal project in EUs eLearning Programme. Look at Cost Effectiveness and Cost Efficiency in e- learning, 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

2 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.

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

4 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

5 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)

6 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?)

7 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.

8 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

9 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 From the institution perspective

10 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

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

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

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

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