Chapter 21: Streamlining the Online Course Development Process by Using Project Management Tools

According to the latest Sloan-C annual report (Allen & Seaman, 2006), more than 96 percent of large institutions have some online offerings (with more than 3.2 million students). Online course delivery has become a key alternative to face-to-face delivery. With students expecting and demanding anytime, anywhere access to courses, higher education institutions are increasing and diversifying their course offerings by combining hybrid, online, and face-to-face courses to attract nonresidents and adult learners. In order to be responsive to students and to market needs, and yet remain competitive and forward-looking, universities are investing heavily in the design and production of online courses (Bartolic & Bates, 1999).