Online learning may seem like an easy way for colleges to save a few bucks. But, when you consider the recurring software and technology costs quality programs pay, you'll find that these programs can be more expensive than traditional college programs. A new article from the eLearning Queen focuses on the growing expenses of online learning:

"The current model of online instruction which features small sections and a learning management system is expensive. Colleges and universities are finding that, to their dismay, they are faced with staggering cost increases. The initial investment they made in infrastructure and computing capacity software / servers was just the beginning of their investment. Software, hardware, personnel, and outsourced support costs are just a few of those that increase every year. The "cascading software upgrades" effect also leads to unanticipated and earlier-than-budgeted programming costs."

These recurring costs are often passed down to the students in the form of fees and higher tuition. What's the solution? The eLearning Queen suggests a few possibilities including raising class sizes and providing alternative ways to earn credit.

I think the growing accessibility of quality open sourceware learning platforms offers one of the best solutions. Schools don't have to stick with traditional platforms like Blackboard anymore. As free platforms are refined, I expect more schools will hop on the open sourceware bandwagon. Hopefully that will translate to tuition breaks for the students.