From an economic point of view, some disadvantages include the selection of a costly technological solution when a simpler and existing technology might suffice. Technology which must be used over long physical distances with primitive and unreliable electricity and telephone services is not in the best interest of the developing country. The most important consideration for the majority of developing countries is economic independence. It is in many of the economically developing countries that the largest distance learning projects are undertaken. A top educational priority for many such countries is to improve the cost effectiveness of education and to provide training and jobs for the general population.
Research based distance education programs face a number of obstacles around the world.
In many cases investing money in research is perceived to be unnecessary and a drain from areas in which the money is needed. Time is an additional problem, since programs are often mandated with very little start-up time. In the interest of expedience, an existing distance learning program from another country may be used and revised but many times this does not adequately answer the needs of the specific population. One solution to the lack of adequate resources available locally has traditionally been the donation of time and expertise by international organizations to help in developing project goals and objectives. The criticism of this approach is that visiting experts seldom have adequate time to become completely familiar with the economic, social and political factors influencing the success of the project.