OMDE+other+classes(+606)

//**MDE 606 Reflective Learning Journal**//

Here you will find connections between the course topics of 606 and thoughts and questions on readings, artifacts and resources that help make connections and critical reflections on new knowledge acquired through the course.

//Module 1- Distance Education and the Economics of Education // During this module, the class read Elixir or Snake oil, Investment in Human Capital and Globalization, knowledge and the myth of the magnet economy. By looking at the main parts of the economics of education understanding developed in this area. **//The wimba intro was much appreciated!//** We debated and discussed Schultz,Brown,Lauder and Wolf's points on can education really deliver growth. Many solid reasons were presented during the discussion. We further explored the human capital theory and other elements of the economics of education. Another focus area includes the principle concepts & methods of assessing returns to ed investments. Online databases with statistics on almost every country were shared, this is a valuable resource. Will Distance Education and technology change the human capital theory over a long period of time is a question I would like to further explore in the future.

//Module- 2 The Techniques of Cost Analysis // During this module, a de system was analyzed, main substystems were identified,resources and costs were classified. The ingredients approach is introduced in this module. Levin (1983) refers to the model as an ingredients approach. DE has a different cost structure than conventional education. Another good reason why DE is an effective choice for many is mentioned below in Thomas Huelsmann 's summary" DE has lower variable cost per students due to a combination of low variable costs and high fixed costs". This is very interesting. Thomas points out-

//eternal triangles// as in Figure 3. According to Daniel (2001) the cost structure of ODL allows costs to be reduced while at the same time increasing access and quality. This reflects our theoretical expectations, but it makes assumptions that may not apply in each and every context.
 * [[image:http://tychong.umuc.edu/tycho/system/requestFile.tycho?file=3791a33883ab0a6414baaea84c026b24]] ||

**Figure 3: The cost-quality-access triangle**


 * [[image:http://tychong.umuc.edu/tycho/system/requestFile.tycho?file=3796d5ff83ab0a6414baaea80ed662f5]] ||

One area I would like to further explore is DE and cost efficiency. If DE is more cost efficient than conventional modes of educaiton, will conventional modes be of less demand in the future? Artifact-

//Module- 3 The Cost-effectiveness of Distance Education Institutions//

A visiting expert is participating in this conference, Greville Rumble. In his book The costs and Economics of Open and Distance Learning he points out the cost and economics of open and distance learning. In Chapter 14 Rumble writes about the relative effectiveness of technology. I found this topic interesting because it seems to still be in the process of evolving. Rumble writes" Even though economists can show that educational technology can be cost effective, the organizational intrastucture design and appropriate teaching strategies are needed to guarantee that." He points out the effective use of educational technologies require teachers to be effective in many areas such as defininf leraning materials, analysis of student learning needs and designing learning activities. I am going to add this to my learning journal because in the future I would like to see more studies that guide educational planners and course developers in choosing the most cost-effective media. The three categories we looked at are concepts of effectiveness and efficiency, applying these concepts to DE institutions such as OU and CCRTVU and IGNOU.

// Module 4 Costing EducationalTechnologies // The main focus of this module was issues related to costing media in DE. Looking at traditional mass media it was interesting to see how it impacts student teacher interaction. I would like to learn more about this because many students benefit from educational technologies that enhance interaction. Finding the most cost efficient technology is a great way to provide student support and assist and accelerate learning. For example, television is powerful but expensive. The printed text is the most widely used media in DE, this is surprising since web 2.0 and many new technologies are evolving.

//Module 5 The costs and costing of e-learning// When comparing traditional mass media to current technolgoy it is quite a difference in interaction. Key ideas that i would like to learn more about in the future includes the following. Different types of elearning,CBT and WBT and Simulated interaction. Both type i(virtual conference) and c(videoconferencing) also seem to be evolving. One aha moment was learning about digital convergence and integrating media with the learning scenario as a basis for costing.

//Module 6 Costs and economics of learner support//

Revisiting the cube to examine cost parameters(F,V,N) clarified a few areas of costs and economics of student support. Looking at in favor of retention measures was informative since I have worked with schools that support it and some that do not. Also, looking at drop out rates is a useful tool in investing in a school, this is important information for educators and education providers who want to partner with universities and collaborate with DE development. The loss incured by society if many students drop out is thought provoking. Student support plays a very important role in education and as DE institutions change services based on students needs and feedback from the school community it is useful to understand the costs and economics to make effective and efficient choices. After analyzing the cost of student support, I would like to further explore the topic of student support services such as DE summer courses for students instead of summer conventional courses for students and find out if it will decrease operating costs? New understanding of expanding access to non-traditional learners and economic argument in favor of student support are developing. //Module 7 Web 2.0// A media rich module. I appreciated the podcast intro, enjoyed it. Will there be a web 3.0 and how will it impact Distance Education and cost? We took a look at 3 approaches to web 2.0 (business model, bundle of technology and set of social practices). One interesting point brought to the attention of readers is producing assets that are exploited by providers. Also, reasons why 2.0 is being used to reduce fixed cost of development and variable cost of supporting students. After completing module 7, new understanding of the different dimensions of web 2.0, its impact on institutional distance education and economic implications are developing.

This course provided a variety of opportunities to examine and practice the process of setting up and managing economic aspects of DE. As a teacher I find understanding the economics of Education a valuable skill in understanding the budget. For example, in mod 2 we studied how changing the volume of activities impacts the behavior of costs. Also, in mod 3 we examined institutional cost effectivness. As moref2f schools expand toward e-learning and blended learning it is valuable to identify the economics of DE and areas that are cost effective.