The effect of delivery method of instructional materials to meet learning goals and objectives in online and open learning environments

Abstract

Technology continues to change rapidly and grow exponentially year after year especially in the area of communication technology. One of the significant changes is the affordance of communication and distribution networks supporting these technologies. Thus, with Internet access becoming ubiquitous for a large part of our population, we live in a time where information is available anytime, anywhere, and from a multitude of devices. There is potential for unprecedented access, through these networks, to deliver knowledge and materials to learners through increasingly portable and mobile devices. Increased access and portability create a number of predictable and unpredictable ways learners can engage with knowledge and course materials. New possibilities for content delivery present a number of unique implications for learning and thus presenting a number of considerations for learning and course designers.