Transactional distance in a blended learning environment

Abstract

This paper presents a case study that describes and discusses the problems encountered during the desgn and implementation of a blended learning course, largely taught online through a web-based learning environment. Based on Moore's theory of transactional distance, the course was explicitly designed to have dialogue at its heart. However, the reality of systemic behaviours cause by delivering such a course within a group of conventional further and higher educational instituions has led to an entierely unanticipated reversion to structure, with unpleasant consequences for both quality and quanity of dialogue. The paper looks at some of the reasons for this drift, and suggests that some of the disappointing results (in particular in terms of the quality of the students' experience and associated poor retention) can be attributed to the lack of dialogue, and cosquent increase in transactional distance. It concludes with a description and evaluation of steps currently being taken to correct this behaviour.