(Microsoft Clip Art) Brown_Quinn_Measuring The Total Cost Of E-Learning_Is the Price Right
Is The Price Right?
E-learning is a very fresh and innovative enhancement that many schools are currently using or trying to develop. In our technology driven society more and more schools have been implementing LMS’s, CMS’s, and PLE’s. This post focuses mostly on the CMS. “Course management systems (CMSs) are online systems that were originally designed to support classroom learning in academic settings, such as universities and high schools” (Carliner, 2005). CMS’s have been used for some time. According to Carliner (2005), “As the market matures and software publishers add complex features (especially to appeal to the corporate market), prices for CMSs have risen sharply in recent years”. The cost is where the struggles begin.
According to Kruse (2004), “In order to generate an accurate and valuable cost analysis, you must take into consideration all of the direct costs of program development, as well as the indirect costs associated with delivery and maintenance”. The indirect costs consists of the minute details that are easily overlooked when a district or company considers purchasing or building an CMS. In order to receive the full benefit of a CMS, the staff, teachers, and students must be trained. Kruse (2004) states “some hidden costs of instructor-led, CD-ROM, or web-based training include the costs of student transportation, meals, room rental, duplication and distribution of CD’s, and maintenance of the server-computer that hosts the program”. These costs add up and make it virtually impossible to just purchase a CMS alone without the other factors necessary for it to succeed.
In the perfect world of e-learning every school would have their own CMS (course management systems). However due to the economic stress, schools districts have been cutting back in order to maintain. According to the Brandon Hall Research Group (2005), “On average it will take, 200,000 to 500,000 and about 18 months to build an LMS (learning management system) with moderate functionality”. Course management systems are similar to LMS’s so the price range is about the same. It is because of this reason that it is more likely for a school district to create or buy a CMS rather than an individual school. Brandon Hall Research Group (2005) also sates “ that what people seem to forget is that it also requires full-time staff. So, the cost may actually be higher”. Even though CMS’s are very costly, it would be a great asset for each school to have their own course management system. Every school is unique. What may work for a high school may not work for an elementary or charter school within the same district. Some small colleges face the same challenges. They are not able to afford course management systems either.
In conclusion, is the price right? If e-learning is supposed to enhance learning, then why is virtually impossible for the schools that need it the most to buy course management systems?
Resources
Brandon Hall Research Group. (2005). LMS selection guide: LMS and LMCS dymistified.
Retrieved on July 13, 2009 from http://www.b2bmediaco.com/elearning//issues/spring07/
spring07_featuredstory_2.html
Carliner, S. (2005), Course management systems vs. learning management systems. Retreived
on July 14, 2010 from http://www.astd.org/LC/2005/1105_carliner.htm
Kuse, K. (2004). Measuring the total cost of e-learning. Retrieved on July, 14, 2009 from
http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art5_2.htm
Hidden costs are everywhere. It's said to say but education is about the money. That's why so many districts are behind technologically because they cannot afford (literally) to keep up. Many district pushes for more usage of technology, but they cannot buy it. Some district buy technology but teachers do not use it or they don't know how to use it. It's a vicious cycle, but hopefully one day technology bought by schools or districts will not go to waste because the instructor cannot use it or do not know how to use it.
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