Distance Learning Delivery Methods

Posted by David R. Wetzel Aug 10, 2008

Adults engaging in distance learning for continuing education need to be prepared to use the following technology delivery formats during a course.

E-mail is used for one-on-one correspondence with the instructor and other students enrolled in the course. The advantage is being able to ask questions 24/7; however it may take a day or two for a reply from the instructor or fellow students.

Use of a course Homepage or instructor homepage to support various aspects of the course, which can be viewed 24/7. Examples of course homepage resources include:

• Link to the Course Syllabus
• Links to online reading assignments
• Links to online supporting books
• Links to supporting websites
• Links to online supporting videos and audio files
• Links to online supporting PowerPoint presentations

Course Bulletin Board, Forum, or Listserv – these are used by the instructor to engage students in online conversations related to course material. Uses include:

• Provides another method for students to ask questions related to course materials and clarification of course assignments.
• Instructors typically post responses to similar questions asked by multiple to students.
• Students share their reflections on assignments.
• Students can share additional online resources they found with other students.

Black Board is another online tool that instructors may use instead of a homepage. This online service allows instructors to facilitate a course using all the strategies’ and techniques previously listed.

Additional resources you should read to help prepare for the use of technological delivery formats in

include Distance Learning: Online Education for Adults and Online Learning Strategies for Adults. These two articles provide answers to many questions related to distance learning.