Within the context of educational targets, dialogue accounts for all interaction. Moore explains the quality of dialogue can be effective when solving learning issues that arise for the distanced students.

Moore's Dialogue Factor

Structure refers to the extent to which a course is rigid or flexible. This can include the teaching model used, assessments, whether or not the objectives of the course are explained, and the course’s ability to accommodate to student needs.

Moore's Structure Factor

Learner autonomy relates to the student’s perception of independence and interdependence within the course. This relates to a student’s feelings of self-direction and determination. Learner autonomy is affected both by dialogue, course flexibility or rigidity, as well as the control students have over learning procedures.

Moore's Learner Autonomy Factor

Previous studies have indicated the use of synchronous tools in distance learning can reduce isolation, promote communication, and encourage participation within the class. In “Making the Connection,” the Adobe Connect virtual classroom is applied to online postgraduate teacher education courses. The researchers used Moore’s Theory of Transactional Distance to examine the impact the virtual classroom had on learner autonomy and dialogue as described in Moore’s theory.

Making the Connection: Introduction

Moore’s Theory of Transactional Distance states the separation between student and teacher in distance learning can lead to gaps in communication and creates room for misunderstandings. Moore says 3 factors need to be accounted for in the transaction between student and teacher:

•	Dialogue

•	Structure

•	Learner autonomy


Michigan State University

Transactional distance is a learner’s perception of psychological and communication gaps caused by a physical separation from instructor and other learners. It is a continuous and relative construct determined by amounts of dialogue and structure. For example, when there are higher amounts of dialogue and less structure, a distance learner is likely to perceive a smaller degree of transactional distance. 

Transactional Distance Theory (Moore, 1991)

Garry Falloon (2011) Making the Connection, Journal of Research on
Technology in Education, 43:3, 187-209, DOI: 10.1080/15391523.2011.10782569

Making the Connection Reference

References for transactional distance can be found below:

Moore's Theory of Transactional Distance References

Moore's Transactional Distance Factors

This study verifies that transactional distance generally decreases as dialogue and learner control increase and as teacher control and structure decrease

Learn Before

Related

Learn After