A short presentation designed to outline delivery modes from a pedagogical and methodological standpoint.

1. Delivery Modes
UAA 2016

2. Broad Definition
Broadly, a delivery mode is a
description of how instruction is
delivered.
Generally, the mode used is selected
based on what is possible and what is
desirable for a learning need.
UAA Title III Robust Online Learning Grant

3. Delivery modes, pedagogically speaking
There are many modes of delivery that have developed over the years, based on
learning needs. Most were developed in a face-to-face environment; we’ll call them the
“traditional” delivery modes. Here are several examples:
 Lecture (large group setting, instructor as primary speaker)
 Useful for basic knowledge or survey learning
 Seminar (small group setting, instructor, highly interactive)
 Useful for in-depth examination of complex concepts
 Lab (learning in a concrete context with close supervision)
 Useful for learning or practicing practical skills
 Flipped (students prepare before class for lecture topics; class time dedicated to
activity)
 Useful for digging into complex concepts UAA

4. But wait, there’s more…
Delivery mode now has
additional meanings that
are specific to distance
delivery.
UAA

5. Distance Delivery Modes
 Distance courses delivery modes describe, generally, how the course is delivered in
terms of time and place requirements.
 Time
 Asynchronous: There are no scheduled meeting times
 Synchronous: There are scheduled meeting times
 Place
 Online: There is no place-based requirement. All instruction is from a distance. We
use the word online because it is the most common form of non-place-based
delivery today.
 Hybrid: (also called blended) There are some scheduled meetings in a designated
place, and there is also some instruction that does not require in-person meeting.
The ratios of resident to distance delivery can vary widely
 Mixed: Some courses have some people attend in person and others attend virtually
UAA

6. Now put them in a bowl and toss!
 There are many, many different ways one can figure distance delivery modes
using the time and place parameters. A few common examples that also
include delivery mode from a pedagogical perspective are shown below:
UAA
Mode Sample Characteristics
Asynchronous Online All instruction and interaction has no time or place requirement. Class uses a
seminar model, requiring frequent interaction and contributions of learners
Mixed Synchronous Some asynchronous instruction and interaction may be required. Everyone
meets at the same time; some attend in person, some attend lecture virtually
Synchronous Online Some asynchronous instruction and interaction is required. There is no place
requirement. There is a meeting time where learners meet at the same time in
a flipped virtual classroom.
Hybrid (Blended) I Some asynchronous instruction is required. Everyone meets once in the same
place for a two-day intensive to complete the workshop
Hybrid (Blended) II Some synchronous, distance instruction is required for lecture. Everyone
meets every Saturday for 16 weeks to do lab work

7. Why discuss distance delivery modes?
UAA
We spent time on distance delivery
modes because in continuing
professional education, it is commonly
much more convenient for
professionals to obtain CPE from a
distance.