Key Points for Module 3 – Distance Education Models

 Distance education models may be either organizational (based on how they are initiated and
operated) or pedagogical (based on teaching and learning behaviors in DE). This is reflected in the
discussion on models in your course readings:

 Organizational Models
 “Classic Course Manual” + “Key Approaches to Distance Education” (Verduin & Clark)
 “Organisational models for open and distance learning” (Rumble & Latchem) - examines the
strengths and weaknesses of various organisational models
 “The Impact of Technology on the Organization” (by Bates) – discusses DE in the workplace
and professions
o Workplace Training (private e-learning companies) – content, technology and service
providers
o Corporate Universities – manage their own in-house elearning programs; training
operations focused on company’s business objectives
o Professional Associations – professional development organizations

 Pedagogical Models of DE
 “Concepts and Models” (Peters)

 While these models may be fluid, transmuting and converging”(Rumble), and differ from author
to author, there at least five major organizational models of DE:
 Single-mode distance teaching universities – offer only distance education
 Dual- and mixed-mode universities – offer both residential (traditiona) and distance
education
 Extensions - extramural divisions operating within universities; offer mainly continuing
education and professional upgrade courses
 Consortia and partnerships – collaborations between institutions
 Virtual technology-based universities - teach mainly through the new information and
communication technologies.

Reference:

Guri-Rosenblit, S. (2009). Diverse Models of Distance Teaching Universities. In Encyclopedia of Distance

Learning Second Eddition. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-198-8.ch102

- I will upload this article in the course site; it’s a good summary of the key points of this module.