Estimating Cost and Quality Implications of an Online Solution for the Army Rotc Military History Requirement

This exploratory study attempted to estimate how the issues of cost and quality would be affected by employing an online solution as one method of accomplishing the Army ROTC military history requirement. Background on the Army ROTC program and the military history requirement are provided. A series of cost estimates were used to explore cost implications. A focused literature review, framed and complemented by the initial literature review, was used to explore implications regarding quality. Cost estimating identified the potential of a cost savings. Also, both the general and focused literature reviews were found to overwhelmingly support the notion that online learning was as good as, if not better than, face-to-face learning. Two recommendations were offered: further develop the issues in this exploration through a pilot study, and explore the feasibility of a linkage between the Army ROTC military history requirement and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) testing.