Substitutions of Technology for Labor

Author Information
Author(s): 
Tana Bishop
Author(s): 
University of Maryland University College
Institution(s) or Organization(s) Where EP Occurred: 
Pew Course Redesign Project
Effective Practice Abstract/Summary
Abstract/Summary of Effective Practice: 

The Course Redesign Project is a large-scale initiative intended to increase access, achieve cost savings, and utilize technology to facilitate learning.

Description of the Effective Practice
Description of the Effective Practice: 

Cost effective aspects of online environment: The Pew Course Redesign Project targeted large-scale introductory courses at a variety of public higher education institutions for technology interventions that would reduce faculty time. Some of the institutions included in the redesign are Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Penn State, Rio Salado Community College, University of Central Florida, University of Iowa, University of Dayton, University of Southern Maine, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and Virginia Tech among others. By substituting a primarily asynchronous learning model for the traditional classroom model in these courses, universities are able to reduce classroom space and contain costs or achieve some cost savings.

Supporting Information for this Effective Practice
Evidence of Effectiveness: 

A key requirement of the course redesign project is that participants demonstrate how and where cost containment or savings will be achieved. This work is an important first step in helping institutions focus on the costs associated with instruction. Next steps need to include a more complete cost analysis that addresses infrastructure and associated spillover costs of technology-mediated instructional offerings.

Estimate the probable costs associated with this practice: 

The costs vary by institution, programmatic area, and particular aim. See the URL links for complete information.

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