The results of a survey canvassing opinions on expectations and perceptions of the price of e-learning finds that purchasers of online training expect the cost to increase significantly by adding in the human factor.

Nearly 1200 learning and training professionals responded to questions regarding a proposed course posed by USA learning thinktank the Masie Center in July (further details of the survey will be made available shortly on the Masie Center website).

Results found that 79 percent would expect an e-learning version of the course to cost less than the classroom-based version, while 16.5 percent thought it would cost the same and 4.5 percent thought it would cost more.

When asked about the main factors impacting on the cost of a course, 57.7 percent said that a live instructor would have a significant influence on the price, 52.6 percent said simulation would up the cost, and 49 percent thought that immediate access to a trainer would increase the cost greatly.

The vast majority of respondents thought that instant telephone access to an instructor and the availability of an instructor to monitor progress along the way would increase the costs moderately or significantly.

Also seen as affecting the cost of courses were testing and assessment capabilities, streamed audio or video and technical support. By contrast, 36 percent thought that adding a training manual should make no difference to the costs of a course.

Interested in becoming an e-learning tutor? Read the transcript of this week's workshop to find out how to go about it!