Alternative Learning Delivery System

The advancement of technology could present a new paradigm of magnifying the state of our
educational system and could help us change our perspective of looking to some alternative learning
delivery systems. It is only a matter of decisively adopting the technologies and proactively laying out
infrastructures to make these alternative learning delivery systems effective and efficient and eventually
making education accessible and affordable to all as mandated in our constitution.

Types of Alternative Learning Delivery System

Massive Open Online Class – this type of learning system could be offered to all students who want to
acquire additional skills which would lead them to have certificate of completion or unit credit. This
could be offered purely through the net by duly accredited institutions.

Distance Education – this is a type of alternative learning delivery system wherein fully online
curriculum is offered and all learning done online and at a distance and no face-to-face component.

Blended Learning – this is a type of alternative learning delivery system wherein mostly or fully online
curriculum is offered with select days required in classroom or computer lab.

Competency-Based Learning – it is a type of learning delivery system wherein school redesigns and
replaces the time-based system with a competency-based system focused on personalized learning,
strong teacher-student relationships, flexible supports, and development skills. This could be done
online and/or onsite. A high school student can enroll through this type of learning system and earn in
advance college credits. (Competency-Based Learning or Personalized Learning)
These identified alternative learning delivery systems, if efficiently and effectively implemented, could
make education accessible and affordable for all. These systems need a paradigm shift in our
educational system, a decisive re-structuring on our schools delivery system and accreditation and a
massive improvements of technical infrastructures. While all these are not available from all schools,
educational institutions should look into them to fulfill their mandate as embodied in the constitution.

Web-based learning is one way to learn, using web-based technologies or tools in a learning process. In
other words, learner uses mainly computers to interact with the teacher, other students and learning
material. Web-based learning consists of technology that supports traditional classroom training and
online learning environments. "Pure" web- based courses are wholly based on computer and online
possibilities. In this case all the communication and learning activities are done online.

Khan (1997) defines Web-Based Instruction (WBI) as: “...a hypermedia-based instructional program
which utilizes the attributes and resources of the World Wide Web to create a meaningful learning
environment where learning is fostered and supported.”

What is the purpose of web based instruction?

Web-based instruction offers learners unparalleled access to instructional resources, far surpassing the
reach of the traditional classroom. It also makes possible learning experiences that are open, flexible,
and distributed, providing opportunities for engaging, interactive, and efficient instruction (Kahn, 2001).

Why is web based instruction important in education?

TYPES OF WEB BASED INSTUCTION

Asynchronous: In asynchronous the education module is to be installed from a particular website and
then we can unpack it offline on our machine. In this case there is no mutual interaction of student with
teacher

Synchronous: In synchronous type there is synchronization among the students and teacher on-line. This
synchronous web-based education provides the most emerging concept of E-leaning.
Blended learning is a training method that combines traditional in-class, instructor-led teaching with
eLearning content to create a more flexible learning experience. By blending these methods, learners
can benefit from the guidance and interaction of an in-class experience while having access to dynamic
and flexible learning opportunities outside the classroom.

Best Practices for Blended Learning

Blended learning works well for covering a large amount of course material with learners who are
independent and engaged. But how can you get learners to take responsibility for their own education?
By putting best practices and blended learning strategies to work with the rest of your curriculum, you
can make the most of a combined at-home and in-class effort.

1. Explain why you’ve chosen blended learning as your method for delivery

If your learners don’t truly understand the reasoning behind combining both independent and in-class
learning, you may lose them from day one. Instead, take the time to explain exactly why you’ve chosen
blended learning as your method for delivery. Perhaps you want to respect how your learners learn at
different paces—and respect their time; or you would rather spend class time putting concepts to work
and engaging in dialog.

2. Include diverse activities

Try to be everything to everyone: While some learners prefer to learn by reading, others get better
results by doing. There is no cookie cutter method of effective learning, but including diverse activities
such as group discussions, online quizzes, games and even role playing drives user engagement for all
learning types.

3. Max Out Media

You and your learners have the most powerful learning tool of all time readily accessible at your
fingertips: the internet.

Why write out a whiteboard question when you could show an engaging video? Take this a step further:
ask learners to watch a video on their own time, then be prepared to answer discussion questions in
class the next day. Why tell your learners a fact when you can have them research at home and report
back in class?

Or, try an online module paired with a quick in-class presentation. When learners are given a chance to
apply their new knowledge, they increase retention.
Blended learning is effective because learners aren’t just watching or hearing: they’re doing. By applying
the new knowledge shortly after they’ve left the physical or virtual classroom, learners retain what
they’ve learned, which is a win-win for all.