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FINANCING OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING. Dr. Jessica N. Aguti. Structure of presentation. Introduction Setting in which ODL operates Why is ODL assumed to be cheaper Cost elements in ODL Funding ODL Financing for quality ODL. Introduction.
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FINANCING OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING Dr. Jessica N. Aguti
Structure of presentation • Introduction • Setting in which ODL operates • Why is ODL assumed to be cheaper • Cost elements in ODL • Funding ODL • Financing for quality ODL
Introduction • One of the major attractions for ODL is its potential to be more cost effective • Most institutions adopt ODL because it is assumed that it is a cheaper option of providing education • To discuss financing of ODL, we need to understand the stage in which ODL is being acted out • We also need to understand WHAT is being financed
Setting in which ODL operates Demand for higher education is growing & UPE & USE are creating a huge bulge State funding of higher education is diminished 35% of Ugandans live below the poverty line – affordability of higher education therefore a challenge ODL is relatively young in Uganda & is not very well understood, very little political will to support it
Why is ODL assumed to be cheaper? • No need for all the physical infrastructure a traditional University needs -classrooms, halls of residence • The institution does not need a full academic staff establishment • Potential for sharing of resources – staff, classrooms • Study materials developed can be used again and again
Cost elements in ODL According to Rumble (2001:73) the following affect cost of ODL • The number of students enrolled • The number of courses presented • The frequency with which course materials are remade
Cost elements in ODL… • The media (text, audio, video, computer-based, face-to-face) and technology employed • The cost structure of the chosen media/technology • The quality of the materials produced (print quality, video formats, etc.)
The number of students enrolled • ODL can be used to reach huge student numbers – Sir Daniel talks about mega Universities • Running ODL programmes with very small numbers is likely to be more costly • Cost of study materials production • Some staff costs • Administrative costs… • However, for certain services, more students might imply higher the costs
Student numbers & cost in ODL Cost Student Numbers