Re: Cost Benefit of Educational Technology
Gary Gernstein (gernman@datamasters.com)
Fri, 5 Jul 1996 01:08:47 EDT
Carole Inge <CInge6541@aol.com> wrote:
> I think the cost benefit question was ok to begin with-if you haven't noticed
> we are looking at education as a business. People want to know what return
> we are getting for the investment and I do too. I am a supporter of
> instructional technology but to make sure the policy makers put money into
> this area, we must show an economic advantage for the investment. Great
> dissertation topic-I have thought about doing it.
>
> Take for example the amount of cost a school system incurs when it has to
> provide schooling for home-bound kids. How must do those teachers cost?
> What if they used text-based virtual reality and were able to project images
> and discuss them in real-time using one teacher at one site for multiples
> children. There may be economic benefit to this. How about home
> schoolers-how many of those parents have to stay home to teach their kids?
> What is they could get Harvard grad students to do the instruction through a
> modem? Food for thought...
As a designer of instructional material for corporations, there is one
question I always have/get. Where will the money come to give computers
to those who are homebound? I don't think we need to talk about the bells
and whistles of programs delivered but how to get from point A to point B.
As far as the cost of education, whatever it is, is fine. But let's not
let people take advantage of this "business".
Gary Gernstein
gernman@datamasters.com