Distance Education Models and Best Practices

ACADEMY ADMINISTRATION PRACTICEJUNE 2011 Requires goal setting and depends on revenue generation. Using this approach, distanceeducation must recover all of its development and operational costs byrecapturing revenue generated by student enrollment in distance basedcourses. Most institutions using this model initially launch programs in high demand areas. Whenstart-up costs are included in the recovery amount, more time is needed tobalance costs with revenues. In such an arrangement, institutions need toconsider creating an alternative organizational structure to manage distancelearning programs that will guarantee a positive return on investment fordistance education units that operate on a well thought-out business plan thatwill allow the distance education unit to eventually turn a profit.© 2011 Hanover Research ‐ Academy Administration Practice28