E-learning Materials: Benefits and Drawbacks

† Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University at Buffalo, SUNY ‡ Department of Computer Science, Canisius College Abstract  Educators wishing to use e-learning materials must choose between homegrown solutions and off-the-shelf materials. Each choice has distinct benefits and drawbacks. Handcrafted materials are often expensive to develop and maintain, yet their content will likely better meet an educator's requirements than a commercial product, and carries with it the potential to become marketable in the future. While the expense associated with commercial products is borne by their developers and the students who purchase the products, the content of such products is less likely to match educator requirements or expectations.