5 Ways You Can Boost the ROI of Your New Distance Learning Solution

Before investing in a new distance learning solution, end users should consider what other videoconferencing systems they will connect to the new system. Deciphering this ahead of time allows end users to pick a distance learning solution that will support their teaching/learning needs, and the connections between systems.

For example, if an instructor wants a distance learning solution to handle multiple video calls simultaneously, they will need that solution to bridge numerous other systems in a single call.

“If the college’s distance learning system is built for single classroom to single classroom conferencing, then they’ll most likely be interested in a hardware-based videoconferencing codec, such as Polycom or Cisco,” McIntosh says. “These manufacturers have equipment designed for large group video calls. If the distance learning model is a single classroom to dozens of students dispersed throughout the world, then the college should be looking at a cloud-based video conferencing software system that would allow numerous systems to be bridged together in a single call.”

Higher education decision makers should calculate who will be using the new distance learning solutions and how many people will work with it on average. At the same time, decision makers should also consider what size space will house the new solution.

That way, decision makers can pinpoint the types of distance learning solutions they need to fit the space, and support the system and end users.

“BlueJeans and Zoom are two cloud-based videoconferencing bridging companies that would allow a college to combine disparate videoconferencing solutions such as Polycom, Google Hangouts, and a web-browser on your iPhone into a single videoconference call,” McIntosh says.

During the buying process, decision makers should keep a distance learning solution’s lifespan in mind.

Like all technology, specifically hardware, certain features become obsolete over time. While finding a future-proofed solution is near impossible, decision makers should consider investing in a distance learning solution that is easy to upgrade, or that is already equipped for the next upgrade.

“I think a seven-year lifespan is a good estimate for hardware-based distance learning systems,” McIntosh says. “While a hardware system might work for 10 or 15 years, the technology will be so vastly improved within this time, that video quality will be substantially better, and compression algorithms and bandwidth requirements will be greatly improved. Maybe a new disruptive technology will be developed that will make videoconferencing obsolete.”

With the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), distance learning is still evolving. However, one thing will stay the same: students will expect learning to occur on their mobile devices and around their schedules.

McIntosh says this trend will continue in the future of distance learning, and that decision makers should consider a solution that supports this.

“Talented, brilliant educators and thought leaders are now able to reach millions with high-quality material and presentations,” he says. “In my opinion, students will consume the majority of content on-demand, around their schedules. However, they will be physically present at university buildings for collaboration, group activities, guest lecturers, presentations, workshops, and social desires.”