In this unit, you learnt about the different models of distance education and how each model assumes different systems that support its key functions. You also learnt how technology influences the emergence of different models of distance education, like paper-based, web-enriched and web-dependent models. Thus, the extent to which information technology is used affects how education is delivered and therefore the model of the institution. Through this unit, you also learnt that different types of resource are needed for different models. For example, a print-based model requires printing facilities, storage houses and materials dispatch facilities. It requires less investment in communication technology as most of the communication is paper-based. On the contrary, a web-dependent distance education system does not need printing and storage houses as the learning materials are digital but it does require significant investment in ICT infrastructure. Since key operations vary according to the model, human resource skills needed also vary across the different models.

This unit also highlighted general concerns that are often raised about distance education provision. These concerns were presented in three categories, concerns that are raised at macro level, which is the national level; concerns that are raised at meso level, which is the provincial or district level; and concerns that are raised at micro level, which is the institutional level. The unit only scratched the surface and gave mere examples of these concerns as well as challenges. You obviously can think of many more that are applicable to your context. Of importance is to think about how the concerns can be addressed within your context.

Finally, you learnt about the difficulties faced in balancing the three vectors of cost, access and quality in the conventional education system and how the imagery of an Iron Triangle is used to portray this challenge. We hope that through the reading resource you were referred to and the activity you did, you saw how ODFL has great potential to break the Iron Triangle but only if it is well planned and sufficiently resourced. Where ODFL is newly introduced, it is important to plan and resource it well to enhance its quality right from the beginning so that the public does not develop a negative perception of this mode of provision.

The next unit will deal with emerging technologies and how they are shaping pedagogy. Before you move on to that unit, complete the quiz for Unit 3 to check your understanding of key aspects dealt with in this unit.