Costing Distance Ed: Experience-Based Practices

Abstract

To respond creatively to the many new opportunities of distance education, the educational community can benefit from a comprehensive view of the distance learning system.   The Process Model for Program Analysis outlines a five-step process to examine all aspects of the system:  Input, Purpose, Method, Implementation, and Feedback.  Inputs include physical and faculty resources, while assumptions include educational philosophy and culture.  Purpose includes specific objectives and the intended audiences for the program.  Method includes the medium used to convey ideas and the process used to put them together including expenditures.  Implementation combines purpose, method, and estimated costs to conduct the actual program.  Feedback includes follow-up with students and the community, cost-benefit analysis, and adaptation based on the research findings.