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There
are a number of issues to consider when allocating funds
or looking
for possible funding mechanisms for distance education
programs. Although the great majority of California community
colleges have developed, or are developing distance education
programs, many have found it difficult to do so within their
financial resources. The cost structure for developing and
sustaining a distance education program is different than
for on-campus course offerings. Distance education programs
may
require less expenditure for construction and building maintenance,
but greater funding for campus information technology infrastructure improvements.
In addition, there are expenses related to course
design and delivery, faculty development and student support
services. These expenses for on-campus courses may be included
in Departmental, Divisional or Student Services budgets.
However, many community colleges develop fairly extensive
distance education
course offerings without completing the necessary planning
and budgeting needed to extend these resources and services
to meet the needs of distance learning faculty and students.
Many institutions have failed to accurately determine both
the costs and cost efficiencies of such programs.
Despite the growing significance of technology as both a primary
mode of educational delivery and a vital enhancement to traditional
classes, educational technology funding has not adequately
improved to meet this change. The increased reliance on technology
means dedicated funding and reliable methods for determining
costs, cost containment and identifying supplemental sources
of funding. |
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