A Web-based Cost Estimation System for Online Course Development
Abstract: Determining the cost of online courses becomes critically important for online education. Many programs and educators who are interested in developing online courses do not understand how much it costs for development and production of an online course. Efficient and reasonable cost estimation can assist institutions and educators in realizing how much it costs to put a course online and thus improve the strategic planning and budgeting processes. In an effort to facilitate, streamline and improve the cost estimation process of online course development, the Center for Learning Technologies at Old Dominion University (ODU) designed a web-based cost estimation system. This online tool enables our institution to determine the direct labor and material costs involved in online course development.