Ready, set, launch: if you've been looking for an action plan to launch your online courses, you've come to the right place. Just read, scan the checklists, and go - E-Learning Management

University Business, August, 2003 by Jerry Olivas

[] Initial charges for network channel setup

[] Initial charges for implementation of online course software

[] Miscellaneous fees for setup, shipping, insurance, moving, etc.

[] Traning for technology staff

[] Training for faculty

[] Initial development and publishing of print and Web site materials

[] Initial advertising campaign

Ongoing costs

[] Upgrading hardware component

[] Network channel monthly fees

[] Upgrading operating systems an other software

[] Computer technicians to handle hardware and software

[] Help Desk support to assist students and teachers

[] Maintenance agreements for all hardware

[] Licensing agreements for all software

[] Support agreements for all software

[] Offsite storage facility for backup and archive of online courses activities

[] Insurance to cover possible hardware, software, and business losses

[] Space for the server and support personnel

[] Advertising campaigns

[] Print and Web site updating and enhancements

Online course offset costs

[] Reduced cost for faculty because of use of part-time and temporary instructors

[] Reduced support personnel because more administrative tasks can be done electronically

[] Reduced personnel salaries with less-skilled individuals needed to handle administrative aspects of online courses

[] Less physical space needed for on-ground classrooms

[] Less physical space needed to support on-ground classes (parking, physical plant, etc.)

[] Reduced utility expenditures (electric, gas, water, etc.)

[] Reduced insurance coverage because less to insure and less personal liability risks

Before You Launch or Expand Your Online Courses

DO ...

* Establish an online course exploratory committee

* Research existing online courses

* Find out who your competition is

* Survey existing students for interest

* Survey possible students for interest

* Survey staff and all faculty for opinions and suggestions

* Inform student, staff, and faculty associations of your ideas

* Hold open meetings and forums to discuss online courses

* Explore how online courses will impact the mission and goals of your institution

* Formulate your plan with timelines, tasks, personnel, and costs--including your ROI

DON'T ...

* Try an online course or two "just to see how it goes"

* Hire a consultant firm to pull it all together

* Put one or two people in charge

* Create a separate university structure as an Online University

Jerry Olivas, Ed.D., is a lecturer in the School of Business Administration, High Technology Management program at California State University, San Marcos; on online instructor for IS and technology degree programs for University of Phoenix Online; end on independent information technology consultant for Web-enabling technologies.