Report OL223 Cost effectiveness of Open Learning

This publication is based on work carried out for the Learning Methods Branch of the Employment Department. It looks at measuring the cost-effectiveness of Open and Flexible Learning ( OFL ) and gives case studies that are examples of the cost effectiveness of OFL versus traditional classroom training. These case studies provide a convincing argument, with cost advantages of open and flexible learning over conventional training of between 12% and 90% in a range of circumstances. If you can make these sorts of savings then: you can raise the profile of training by providing more training with your budget and / or create additional training opportunities which were too expensive or regarded as impractical before.

However, it must be said that in some instances the decision to use OFL was a function of a number of factors, of which cost saving was but one; in some cases it was perceived as being a major factor, whilst in others it was viewed as relatively insignificant. This was because there are many factors that can influence the decision to use OFL: geographical spread of learners (particularly if international), consistency and quality of message, need for flexibility of learning, appropriateness of delivery mechanism, and availability of conventional courses.

To download a copy of the full report click on the button

 

Return to list of Open Learning projects

Return to list of project Groups

 

This page last updated 15 March 1999.