When coding the qualitative data from interviews using thematic analysis, four themes were identified that aligned with Moore’s factors of transactional distance, particularly learner autonomy, dialogue and structure. After identifying the themes in the data, the researchers further coded the data relating to each theme as being positive, neutral, or negative. The identified themes are located below:
• The virtual classroom and relationship formation: the virtual classroom’s effect on student’s ability to get to know and connect with one another. A student’s feeling of belonging in the class

•The virtual classroom and knowledge development: student perception of the virtual classroom’s impact on their understanding of new concepts or the confirmation of existing understandings

•The virtual classroom and communicating information: student perceptions of the virtual classroom’s effect on the communication of information

•Aspects affecting student engagement in the virtual classroom: the encouragements or limitations affecting student participation in the class