Open and Distance Learning Systems

 Kinds of open and distance learning systems 

A variety of terms describe the type of educational provision that involves some version of an open learning approach and uses open and distance learning techniques to a greater or lesser extent.

Single mode institution

·     set up to offer programmes of study at a distance;

·     some face-to-face interaction involved, but often optional;

·     teaching and learning process ‘mediated’ in some way

- by print, including correspondence;

- by audio, including radio (one-way, two-way), cassettes, telephone or audio conferences;

- by video, including television (one-way, two-way), cassettes or video conferences; and

- by computer, including computer-based training, e-mail, computer conferencing or World Wide Web;

Many of the world’s ‘mega-universities’, including Indira Gandhi National Open University (ignou), Universitas Terbuka, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University (stou) and United Kingdom Open University (ukou), are single mode institutions.

Dual mode institution

·     offers two modes

- one using traditional classroom-based methods; and

- one using distance methods;

·     may also offer the same course in both modes, with common examinations;

·     regards the two types of learner as distinct: on-campus and external; and

·     may or may not allow ‘cross-over’ registrations.

Examples of dual mode institutions include the Open Learning Institute of Charles Sturt University, the University of Nairobi, the University of Botswana and the University of Zambia.

Mixed mode institution

·     offers learners a wide choice of modes of study

- independent, group-based or some combination; and

- face-to-face, mediated or some combination;

·     maximises flexibility of place and pace of study;

·     the result of ‘convergence’ of face-to-face and distance modes; and

·     increasingly characterises organisations that were once ‘single mode’ or ‘dual mode’.

Deakin University and Murdoch Universities, both in Australia, provide examples of institutions that are now ‘mixed mode’.