Confused about learning delivery methods in the 21st century and their meanings?
Here is an illustrated explanation :
A learning delivery method refers to the way in which instruction or training is provided to learners. It's essentially the format or approach used to facilitate the learning process.
Think of it this way: the learning objective is what students will learn, and the learning delivery method is how they're going to learn it, or how tutors are going to teach it.

Here are some of the most common and widely recognised learning delivery methods:
1. On-Site/In-Person: refers to any learning experience that takes place at a specific physical location. This could be a training centre, a company's office, a conference venue, or even an outdoor setting. The key is that the instruction and learning activities occur in a designated place, rather than online or remotely.This could be the traditional classroom or private ( one to one bases) settings, where the teacher and learners are physically present in the same location. It often involves lectures, discussions, group activities, and hands-on experiences.   
2. Live Online (Real-time classes or discussions conducted via video conferencing):
Instruction is delivered remotely through online platforms, with the instructor and learners interacting in real-time. This often involves video conferencing, online whiteboards, and interactive tools. 
3. Pre-Recorded:
Learning materials are pre-recorded (e.g., video lectures, online modules) and made available to learners to access at their own pace and convenience.  
4. Digital Games: Educational content is integrated into interactive games to make learning more engaging and motivating. 
5. Digital Texts: Learning materials are primarily delivered through digital text-based formats, such as e-books, online articles, and interactive documents.
6. Residential / Immersive : This is the most common and widely understood term for courses that include on-site accommodation. It clearly indicates that students will be living at the settings. Learners participate in an intensive, immersive learning experience in a residential setting, often involving field trips, outdoor activities, or specialised workshops.
7. Blended : also sometimes called a hybrid course, is an educational program that combines elements of both in-person (face-to-face) and online learning. It's not fully online and it's not fully traditional classroom-based; it strategically integrates the two to create a more flexible and engaging learning experience.
8. AI ( Artificial Intelligence ) and XR ( Extended Reality)
AI and XR is rapidly transforming the educational landscape, offering a wealth of opportunities to personalise and enhance the learning experience for students. AI in education involves using artificial intelligence technologies to personalise and optimise the learning process. It moves away from a one-size-fits-all approach, adapting to the individual needs, pace, and learning style of each student.
The XR ( the complex of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) ) offers exciting possibilities for enhancing learning experiences. The best choice depends on the specific learning objectives, budget, and available technology. As these technologies continue to develop, we can expect even more innovative and effective learning applications in the future. The combined power of AI and XR technologies promises to make education more engaging, personalised, and effective.

We are on the cusp of a new era of learning, where technology empowers both students and educators to achieve better outcomes and unlock new possibilities.The choice of learning delivery method should be aligned with the learning objectives, learner characteristics, available resources, and time limitations.   
Effective instruction often involves a combination of different methods to cater to various learning styles and maximise engagement.   
Ultimately, the goal is to select the most appropriate and effective learning delivery methods or combine them to facilitate meaningful learning experiences and achieve desired outcomes.
Join us in our next blog post as we explore the On Site delivery methods and uncover its characteristics and impact.


 *Extended Reality ( XR) an umbrella term that encompasses all technologies that create immersive experiences by blending the real and virtual worlds. Think of it as a spectrum of experiences, ranging from fully virtual to fully real, with various combinations in between. XR includes: VR, AR, MR
*Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive, computer-generated environments that simulate a real or imagined world. Users typically wear a headset that blocks out the real world and allows them to interact with the virtual one.
*Augmented Reality (AR): Overlays digital information onto the real world. Users typically use a smartphone or tablet to view the real world with added digital elements, such as images, text, or 3D models.
*Mixed Reality (MR): Blends the real and virtual worlds, allowing users to interact with both simultaneously. MR experiences often involve specialised headsets that can track the user's movements and surroundings, enabling realistic interactions with virtual objects in the real world.