Do Learner Characteristics and Environmental Factors Affect Learner Perceptions of Transactional Distance in Web-Based Distance Education?

• In Event: What Do We Know About Our Online Learners?

Abstract

Moore’s transactional distance theory is an important pedagogical model in distance education that refers to the psychological space in understanding and perceptions caused by physical distance (Moore, 1991). Many factors could affect students’ perceptions of transactional distance. This study examined the effect of learner characteristics and environmental factors on transactional distance. A survey measuring learner characteristics, environmental factors, and transactional distance were distributed to more than 600 online undergraduate and graduate students in a mid-sized university in the United States. Data collected from over 200 students indicated that instructional media, minority status and preference for online courses affect students’ perceptions of transactional distance. Implications of the results will be discussed during the presentation.

Authors

• Xiaoxia Huang, Western Kentucky University

• Aruna Chandrasekaran, Indiana State University

• Concetta DePaolo, Indiana State University

• Lakisha Simmons, Belmont University