Project Title: Case Studies in Evaluating the Benefits and Costs of Mediated Instruction/Distributed Learning

Grant Award Number: R309F60088

Research Objectives: This project will develop estimates of the benefits and costs associated with various types of distance education and distributed learning delivery methods in higher education. Based upon the cost data obtained, a simulation model that estimates the costs of expanding a campus using alternative technologies will be developed.

Project Design: A set of case studies involving ten institutions is underway to obtain data on the benefits and costs of specific distributed instructional delivery modes (including interactive computer learning labs and networks, compressed two-way live video, one way video (two-way audio), and materials delivered via the Worldwide Web) that can be compared to the benefits and costs of lecture delivery mode. Benefit assessments will be based primarily upon comparisons of the educational outcomes between similar courses delivered by different means (e.g., lecture and two-way compressed video). Cost comparisons will be based upon estimates of the direct costs (both operating and imputed capital costs) for delivering the courses by different means.

Case studies allow comparisons of educational outcomes for a given course at a given institution and reduce the need to define educational outcomes in an absolute sense. Cost comparisons for a given course at a given institution eliminate the problems associated with making such comparisons across institutions.

Anticipated Outcomes: (1) A set of individual case study reports with findings and conclusions about the benefits and costs of using various types of mediated instruction relative to classroom instruction. (2) A set of "scenarios" that summarize the individual case study findings and conclusions in a compressed format that will be more accessible to policy makers at the campus or state level. (3) A report on the simulation model and the conclusions that can be drawn from it about the costs of expanding a campus based upon alternative delivery technologies.

Project Director:Frank Jewett, Director, Research Projects
Information Resources and Technology
Office of the Chancellor
California State University
401 Golden Shore
Long Beach, California 90802-4210
(562-951-4753, frnkjewett@aol.com)

Project Duration:Two years; final reports available January 1999.

Award Amounts:Awarded amount in FY 1996:$248,661
Projected award amount in FY 1997:$155,040