elearnspace

Measuring Up 2008 (.pdf) is a report on state of the American higher education system. Lessons can be gleaned for other countries, particularly with regards to costs as barriers. Tuition has increased by 439% between 1982 and 2006, far out pacing the increases other costs in society (medical care only increased an anemic (in contrast) 251% during the same time period – see p. 8 of the report). While online learning has many more advantages beyond a reduction of costs (in theory at least – costs are often as high, or even more so, in online learning versus face-to-face), figures as high as those cited in this report are grounds for exploring cost reductions through online education.