The Business of Online Education

Abstract

Many observers have predicted a revolution due to online education. Opportunities exist to save money due to the lack of brick and mortar, and travel necessary to take classes in a traditional setting. Besides costs savings, several studies show that online education has significant benefits including support for self-paced learning and better discussion between learners and teachers. The opportunities for online learning have spurred growth in the business of online education. Entrepreneurs see opportunities for increased market share, while others perceive a threat. The design of an online program is not easy, however. This chapter summarizes pedagogical and business dimensions that must be addressed in order to develop an effective online educational program. The chapter also discusses tactics that will help organizations compete in the online education industry.