Factors Affecting the Success Sustainability of Online Learning

Factors Affecting the Success & Sustainability of Online Learning Programs Greg Kearsley 1 4/16/2009 Introduction Most online learning programs fail to exist more than a few years. Why? What are the factors that affect long-term success? 2 4/16/2009 $ Adequate Funding & Resources     Budget for start-up & ongoing costs Marketing funds/staff Development & evaluation of courses Compensation for teaching 3 4/16/2009 Good Technology Infrastructure      Reliable/Dependable Responsive Technical Support (24/7) Scalable Flexible (Options) Up to Date 4 4/16/2009 Good Management/Leadership     Planning & coordination Communication Promotion/Cheerleading Political sensitivity 5 4/16/2009 Teaching Excellence    Dedicated and enthusiastic Responsive to students Comfortable using technology 6 4/16/2009 Good Staff     Work as team Highly competent Committed to quality Keep up with new developments 7 4/16/2009 Good Marketing     Well targeted markets Campaigns/events Visibility Credibility 8 4/16/2009 Good Student Support     Financial aid Counseling (personal/academic) Administrative assistance Technical 9 4/16/2009 Good Instructional Design    Courses are engaging & motivating Course content is meaningful (relevant & authentic) Courses are easy to update 10 4/16/2009 Good Institutional Support     Funding Staffing Technology Commitment 11 4/16/2009 Conclusion You can’t have everything going for you. But the more favorable factors, the greater the chance that an online learning program will succeed and be sustainable. 12 4/16/2009