Distributed and Open Learning 101

Although I am confident that everyone in this course has an understanding of what open and distributed learning is, the following definition from COL’s Open and Distance Learning: Key Terms and Definitions (2023) is the one we found resonated the most with us:

“ [T]he provision of distance education opportunities in ways that seek to mitigate or remove barriers to access, such as finances, prior learning, age, social, work or family commitments, disability, incarceration or other such barriers. “Open” refers to a commitment that removes any unnecessary barriers to access learning. Distance education refers to teaching and learning that temporarily separates teacher and learner in time and/or place; uses multiple media for delivery of instruction; involves two-way communication and possibly occasional face-to-face meeting for tutorials and learner-learner interaction. Open learning is not the same as distance learning, but both are complementary and hence the two terms are often used together as open and distance learning.”

This blog post focuses on how learners and educators can combine the concept of open and distributed learning with motivation theory. 

Figure created by Eleonora.

Distributed and Open Learning and Motivation Combined

In the first blog post, we explored a variety of theories behind motivation. Taking those theories, we have attempted to apply them to the distributed and open learning environment based on what we have learned throughout the course of this project from the point of view of the educator. 

Creating a Culture of Motivation

We have previously discussed how individuals can succeed as lifelong learners, whether they are intrinsically or extrinsically motivated, but now it is time to dive into the role of the educator. Educators play a large part in cultivating a space where students gain the motivation to learn (Editor VDA, 2023). 

The most important thing an educator can do to create a culture of motivation and an effective learning environment is to encourage autonomy, respect students and their voices, and provide them with choices. This allows students to feel a sense of control and ownership in their learning journey (Editor VDA, 2023).

The below picture provides additional examples of things educators can do to create an environment where learners can flourish: 

Figure created by Eleonora. Information used in this diagram is from Fostering Intrinsic Motivation in Students: A Key to Lifelong Learning by Editor VDA (2023)

Here is a very interesting TEDx Talk by Beth Hennessey that details how teachers can foster an intrinsic learning environment in the classroom (2016).

Challenges of Motivation in Distributed and Open Learning

Staying motivated in an open and distributed learning environment can be difficult. This table summarizes some key challenges learners may face and ideas to help overcome them:

Table created by Eleonora. Note Information used in this table is from 7 Common Challenges to Distance Learning by Nate Fields (2024)

This great TED-Ed video resource explains why people can become unmotivated in the middle of their journey to reach their goals and how they can overcome this feeling. Some of the ideas talked about in this video can be applied to the open and distributed learning environment:

Stepping into the Real World

Until now, our blog posts have discussed the theory behind motivation and how it can be applied in various educational settings. Motivation plays a large role in the open and distributed learning environment. 

Join us in our following posts where we explore real life examples and applications of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in academia!

 

References

Commonwealth of Learning. (2023). Open and Distance Learning: Key Terms and Definitions. Commonwealth of Learning (COL). https://oasis.col.org/entities/publication/7dc20f7c-4901-433a-90f1-6274f5ce53dd

Editor VDA. (2023, December 12). Fostering Intrinsic Motivation in Students: A Key to Lifelong Learning. Vancouver Debate Academy. https://vancouverdebate.ca/fostering-intrinsic-motivation-in-students-a-key-to-lifelong-learning/

Fields, N. (2024, October 30). 7 Common Challenges to Distance Learning. University of Cincinnati. https://online.uc.edu/blog/common-distance-learning-challenges/

TED-Ed. (2025, February 4). Why you feel stuck — and how to get motivated — Shannon Odell [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/kD3-DKkiVeA?si=XskBPPKovwjgD5J- 

TEDx Talks. (2016, November 23). “Cultivating Intrinsic Motivation and Creativity in the Classroom” | Beth Hennessey | TEDxSausalito [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/v2eRnhBvI_I?si=Cxnw4ceO1cJsfEv3Â