Models of Distance Learning Process 

Learning styles of different individuals are different from one another. Thus, there are different open and Learning models that can be used to successfully engage in Open and Distance learning process based on students preferred models. The following information contains in-depth analysis of these models and how these models can be used in real life.  

The "Exam Preparation" Distance Education Model  

In this model, the students are responsible to carry on their studies and get ready for the examinations. They can conduct their secondary researches and go through online articles to prepare for examinations. The Educational institutes does not provide any kind of education but award degrees based on the exam performance of students. 

This model emphasizes the importance of students having a growth mindset and the eagerness to study by themselves to obtain a valid degree. Curiosity to learn while maintaining a higher level of self discipline and consistency is utmost important in this model.  

The Correspondence Distance Education Model  

This model is the widely used model in Open and Distance learning process. Unlike, Exam Preparation model, Institutes using this module will provide study materials to their students and also conduct assignments time to time prior to the final examinations to make sure that the students are properly comprehending the phenomenon that they learn. As students are allowed to obtain feedback on their assignments and written examinations, regular correspondences between lectures and students are more apparent. 

As this is the most commonly used model, this provides a vast opportunity for the students to engage in the learning process without physical location and time constraints. Since, the sessions will be recorded, the employed students who are unable to participate in physical lectures will still be able to go through the recordings at their own convenience. Furthermore, students can get things clarified by respective lectures through emails.          

The Multiple (Mass) Media Distance Learning Model 

As the term itself indicates, this model integrate electronic media in the Open and Distance learning process. The model emphasizes on the importance of integrating television, radio with other electronic media in the process of Open and Distance learning. This model is also referred to as the Tele-learning model. 

This model is useful for multi-center educational institutes. This method is widely used in countries such as Korea, Thailand and India where mostly the purchasing power of the individuals are comparatively less. 

This model requires active participation of all the students. Even though usage of mass media will make the learning process much more interesting, the cost associated with the process is sometimes hard to bear for the individuals residing in developing countries.  

The Flexible Learning Model 

This model enhance the engagement of teachers, students and other stakeholders of the process through multi-media computer mediated communication. Therefore, this model requires a strong internet connection to enroll in the Open and Distance learning process. This model emphasize on the core of Open and Distance learning since usage of multi media with stronger internet facilities provide access to students in any part of the world to engage in the learning process at their convenience by using high quality study materials. 

This also enables the students to engage much more often with their teachers and other students to obtain assistance with their learning process eliminating the geographical and time constraints. This model is also referred to as the fourth generation of Open and Distance learning. 

Emails and computer related conferencing through applications such as Zoom, Microsoft teams and Google meet are widely used in this model of Open and Distance learning. The surveys conducted with regard to this model indicates that this model has impacted positively on both studying and learning process.   

The Intelligent Flexible learning model 

Most recent model among all the Open and Distance learning models. This model integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the Open and Distance learning process. Since this model use AI features, it has the ability to customize the learning process by analyzing the learner's behaviors. 

Students can access study materials any device. They can access the content either through their mobile devices, laptops or even personal computers and the content too are presented in different forms as well such as video, text, audio and images. 

Based on the learning behaviors of the students and with the use of advanced technological features, this model has the capacity to identify the students who are at risk beforehand and assist them with the learning process based on their learning styles.  

Conclusion 

Education is currently transforming at a rapid pace. The accessibility for learning materials and the convenient of accessing such learning materials regardless of time and physical constraints enhance the learning opportunities among general public. There are five major models used in Open and Distance learning and the illustrations provided throughout this blog post emphasizes the gradual transformation of Open and Distance learning from "Exam.preparation" distance learning model to The Intelligence Flexible learning model. This gradual transformation of Open and Distance learning expands curiosity of the individuals and ultimately reinforce them to develop a growth mindset.          

References 

MENTALUP.(2021, April 15).Distance Learning: Continuing Education Online Under Coronavirus Quarantine [Blog Post].https://www.mentalup.co/blog/online-distance-learning

Dharankar,M.(n.d.). Models of Distance Learning. Adult Education in India: National and International Perspectives. PRESSBOOKS. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://ebooks.inflibnet.ac.in/aep01/chapter/models-of-distance-education/