Scaling Online Learning: Critical Decisions for eLearning Leaders

Abstract

Unlike most industries, higher education has largely failed to take advantage of economies of scale or the efficiencies gained through growth based on intentional methods to keep costs low and quality high. In the U.S., higher education has, from its inception, adopted a decentralized and fragmented system of thousands of institutions. While in some ways a strength, this disparate approach to higher education also militates against large-scale adoption of best practices and standardized approaches.

Yet the pressures to scale are increasing. Higher education is now grappling with the question of efficiency in light of reduced resources, and many institutions are focusing on scaling smartly so they can grow and yet remain cost effective. Some see scale as inevitable as the pressures on higher education increase. As resources have become more constrained, pressures on university leaders to leverage the benefits of scale will only grow.

This chapter is intended for the online learning leader who seeks to grow enrollments smartly, using a systematic process that will keep costs low and quality high, while providing greater access to those who seek a college education.