Systems Model of Educational Processes

Distance education involves a wide range of elements, including students, instructors, institutions, classroom technology, state agencies and accrediting boards. The educational process model provides a conceptual framework to integrate these diverse elements. The following discussion begins with a brief background on the systems and communication basis of the new model. Then it elaborates the model’s elements, including the inputs (resources and philosophy), purpose (intentions and audiences), methods (technological genre and educational process); integration (pedagogy); outputs (product and interpretation); and assessment (institutional and research).