Distance Learning Fees Survey ResultsAn ETxDLA member recently asked for information on distance learning fees, and we thought it might be helpful to do a quick survey of our members to find out different institutions charge, and to also gather input on justifications for collecting distance learning fees. We hope you find the information below as interesting as we did! Survey results re: fees are at the bottom of the page Programmatic Justification for a Distance Learning Fee As budgets continue to shrink, and the demands for learning and resources continue to expand, many distance learning departments are approaching administrative, technical and clerical critical mass. Ask yourself this - if your institution’s distance learning numbers and classes are expanding, is tangible support for your distance learning department growing in proportion? What is often overlooked in the excitement over the (admittedly remarkable!) technology are the non-technical aspects of a distance learning program, meaning the human side of distance learning; specifically, the staffing requirements needed to support, contribute to, and maximize the efficient use of the technology in the classroom. Computers, networks, videoconferencing workstations, software platforms, etc. are all vital resources in a distance learning department - but they are not the only resources necessary for the success of a distance learning program or department. In fact, installing the equipment and getting it operational is considered (by some!) to be the "easy" part - keeping it operational requires continued support! It is crucial to remember that clerical and technical support are equally important to the success of any distance learning program - it is essential for data management and reporting, attendance recording, test validation, curricular information management, reproduction and distribution of print materials, support for faculty and technical staff, maintaining reports, preparing course and instructor evaluations, interacting with high school counselors, students, and administrators, troubleshooting technological problems, scheduling (often multiple) ITV rooms on and off-site. Time and personnel are required to maintain the important contacts between the instructors, facilitators, and students, whether they attend your school via ITV or online. Successful distance learning programs recognize the need for adequate clerical and technical support for their DL faculty and staff. What is involved in making a distance learning course or program successful? Here's a partial list:
NOTE: Delivering courses where the need or demand exists is a good way to meet the state's goal of providing increased access to educational opportunities. It is also an ideal way to increase student enrollment in spite of the space constraints facing many campuses. If colleges and universities are to continue to expand off-campus offerings electronically, they must be able to count on the revenues necessary to be successful. This is particularly important, since these expanded offerings serve the interests of individual students and our communities (Closing the Gaps). Fee ResultsFees charged by: Universities: • No distance learning fees charged (four universities charge no fees) • Students enrolled in online, ITV, and/or off-campus classes are charged a distance education fee of $25 per semester credit hour • Students enrolled in online and/or ITV classes are charged a distance education fee of $25 per semester credit hour. (a three-hour course would cost an additional $75) • Students enrolled in online, ITV, and/or off-campus classes are charged a distance education fee of $35 per semester credit hour.• Students enrolled in online, ITV, and/or off-campus classes are charged a distance education fee of $40 per semester credit hour. (two universities charge a $40 per semester hour fee) • Students enrolled in online, ITV, and/or off-campus classes are charged a distance education fee of $25 per semester credit hour and an additional program fee from $300 - $500. • Students enrolled in online courses are charged a fee of $303 per course, but are not charged out of state tuition - these are considered extension courses; ITV courses carry a $75 fee
• No general distance learning fee - but a $15 non-refundable VCT reservation fee is required. • No general distance learning fee. A $25 VCT fee is charged for students enrolling in a VCT course (online or ITV). • No general distance learning fee. A $100 VCT fee is charged for students enrolling in a VCT course. • Flat $25 fee for all DL courses: Internet, ITV, and VCT. • $30.00 per course fee for internet delivery courses, but no fees for ITV classes. Students pay all other fees and expenses. • $45 for online courses. No other fees are waived. |
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