“Analysts in the online learning industry comment that learning management systems are often the most expensive learning investment made by organizations. Costs can easily range from $500,000 to several million dollars.”
Some organizations choose a commercial or open source system that they install and manage and others choose to develop an in house custom made system like Full Sail has done.
Why would an organization choose to build their own learning system? The reason for this is simply because they may not need all of the components that a ready made learning system has to offer and thus they can save money. However, building your own system has it’s expenses as well, because you must employ the people to develop and create the learning system.
Even if an organization chooses to use an open source solution there are still costs such as installation, maintenance, support and the cost of upgrades.
Either way an online learning management system can be very costly. Each organization must decide what they need and figure out which solution works best for them.
Carliner, S. (November, 2005). Course Management Systems Versus Learning Management Systems. Retrieved from www.astd.org
- @Amanda - I had no idea of the high costs of learning management systems - but if an organization chooses the LMS based on their specific needs, the benefits would for worth the price! Think about Full Sail University...I'm sure their LMS was expensive, but also lured many students to their school because of the wonderful organization and structure it offers. Thanks for the great information about the cost of an LMS!
- July 20, 2010 10:55 AM
Hi Abbie,
ReplyDeleteThe cost of implementation of LMS seems prohibitive, especially in the light of the current economic depression in the country.
However like some one has observed: 'If education is costly, try ignorance.' All I am saying is that the LMS hold the key to success in this 21st Century and we must not hod back.
Chuks.