There are significant additional costs associated with distance learning, technological and organizational. Costs associated with development differ from costs associated with delivery. Costs also differ by medium used. Due to high cost for telecommunications connections, interactive video may have higher ongoing costs than online. The same outside services are procured by a number of institutions.
Opportunity exists for aggregating purchasing power.
Students are willingly paying modest extra fees for the convenience of distance learning. Future Potential National studies have not found a difference in the instructional outcomes between distance learning and traditional classroom instruction. Distance learning appears to be suitable across a broad spectrum of disciplines and levels of instruction. Distance learning has the potential to support degree completion. Distance learning has the potential to support short-term education needs.