The theory of transactional distance

Abstract

The theory of transactional distance, which was first presented by Moore in 1972, is one that has stood the test of time and a host of technological innovations. However, as a theory, we must constantly be asking if it is still valid today. Dron (Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia 14(4):321–342, 2005) would argue that broadly the theory is an immutable fact. However, given the technologies and the range of pedagogical approaches in use today, we should examine if the systems view of how dialogue, structure, and autonomy interact to determine transactional distance still holds true. This chapter will explore the underlying variables that determine the transactional distance to shed light on how the concept of these variables may have changed.