Flexible delivery is an ill defined term however, in the context of this paper it can be taken to mean providing valid and reliable learning experiences to students by utilising the correct mix of location, study pattern, teaching method, study material and delivery medium. The main elements of each facet of flexible delivery are listed below:
Location
- on campus;
- off campus (workplace, home).
Study Pattern
- full time;
- part time;
- combination of above.
Teaching Method
- lecture;
- tutorial;
- workshop;
- distance education;
- simulation;
- discovery techniques (labs, site visits).
Study Material
- print (books, notes);
- audio (tapes);
- visual (videos);
- multi media (CD Rom).
Delivery Medium
- personal (face to face);
- technologies including:
・teleconferencing;
・videoconferencing;
・radio;
・TV;
・Computer (e-mail, internet, floppy disc).
As communications techniques improve and the costs of utilising communications systems reduce the options open to education and training providers to take their programs to the user, rather than bring the user to the programs, obviously improve. This has implications for both users and providers. As expectations change, the skills of teaching staff also need to change. Teaching staff must not only be good teachers but must also be competent instructional designers and competent users of the array of communications technologies available if the benefits of the flexible delivery approach to education and training are to be maximised.
The advantages of utilising a flexible delivery approach can be summarised as follows:
・location dependance is reduced;
・disruption to work is reduced;
・costs to users may be reduced;
・the right mix of teaching methods, study materials and delivery media can enhance learning;
・learning can occur at the user's pace rather than the provider's pace.
