As the 21st century comes to a close, the question is, what is the scope of distance learning? In a rapidly changing world, it may be hard to define the scope of distance education. Whether you want to become a chef or learn to play the piano, the internet has opened up many doors for you. In addition to a global network, distance education can offer you an opportunity to learn a new style of cooking from a master from around the world.
The article explores the economics of providing distance education in general HEIs in China. It identifies several economies of scope, including product-specific economies. Assuming that distance education is a part of the multi-product function of general HEIs, these efficiencies can be measured empirically. It can be seen that there is an increasing correlation between the output of distance education and the economic benefits of distance education. Furthermore, product-specific economies of scope may exhaust by around 150% of the current level.
In the case of distance learning, the majority of the learning is done digitally. While this is convenient for many people, it can also be challenging for those with mobility issues, as they might not be able to attend class. Students must learn how to communicate effectively on a computer or mobile device, which requires a different skill set than speaking in person. Additionally, a video or simulator cannot replace real-time practice.
