Open AccessThe influence of communication technologies and approaches to study on transactional distance in blended learning
Author(s) -
Steve Wheeler
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
alt-j/alt-j. association for learning technology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1741-1629
pISSN - 0968-7769
DOI - 10.1080/09687760701470924
Subject(s) - transactional analysis , computer science , blended learning , transactional leadership , psychology , mathematics education , educational technology , social psychology
This paper explores the role played by communication technologies and study orientations in the amplification and reduction of transactional distance in blended learning. Factor analysis and structural equation modelling of different communication modes (face to face, email and telephone) revealed that students experience at least some transactional distance when separated from their tutors. Email was found to facilitate the highest levels of immediacy of dialogue for most students. The conclusion is that strategic students are best placed to benefit from blended learning, and that the effects of transactional distance could be analysed more deeply if two subvariables of dialogue were recognised. These are social presence (the perception of connectedness between students and their tutors) and immediacy (the temporal effects of dialogue)