Transactional distance theory (Moore, 1973, 1993, 2013, 2019) identifies transactional distance as a psychological or communication gap that can be perceived by learners based on their personal educational needs and/or preferences. These perceptions of distance can occur in any learning environment but especially in online learning environments and can influence course satisfaction, participation, and persistence (Tinto, 2009). Perceptions of transactional distance are observed through interactions and are influenced by the theory’s three main tenets of course structure, dialogue, and learner autonomy through instructional design and personalization. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with Black males taking online asynchronous math courses at a mid-sized North American university to determine how the participants’ perceived instances of transactional distance. The tool was designed as a lens to examine transactional distance through five types of learner interactions. Results of the study support the theory’s purport that learners perceive instances of transactional distance based on personal educational needs and/or preferences. The findings also support empirical research findings stating that educational disadvantages can be exacerbated in distance learning environments, especially for marginalized or underprepared populations (Paul et al., 2015; Salvo et al., 2019; Stewart et al., 2010; Xu & Jaggars, 2013). Per the research, learners should experience varied interactions with options for personalization. Stakeholders have the opportunity to support learners through professional development for instructors and course designers, cycles of feedback, learner support programs, personalization, and varied course design which should include interactions, dialogue, opportunities for autonomy, and course structures appropriate for online learning environments.

Authors:
Shontale Bryant, Christian Brothers University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Shontale M. Bryant is a senior instructional designer and university professor. She completed her doctorate at University of Memphis and is currently sharing highlights from her dissertation research on Transactional Distance Theory.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shontalembryant/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Shontale-Bryant

Additional website of interest
https://edbloom360learningsolutions.org/

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