Student Perceptions of Transactional Distance in Online Teacher Education Courses Dr. Cathy Cavanaugh Kathryn Kennedy University of Florida School of Teaching & Learning

Purpose Measure transactional distance of course elements in online teacher education course Inform instructional designers and distance learning instructors about the course elements that may aid in reducing transactional distance What is Transactional Distance?

Study - course elements Discussion forum Assignments/Projects Audio greetings per session Session media Textbook readings Session text materials Syllabus Podcast interviews with experts Map Synchronous office hours w/voice, chat EME Distance Teaching and Learning

Study - previous findings (2007)

Study - forming a new survey Used existing surveys –WEBLEI - 57 –Huang - 27 –OLES - 54 –WIHIC - 56 New survey # of items - 60 –Created in Moodle

Findings The text-based elements appear to reduce Transactional Distance more than other media do. Interactive elements with an academic focus are perceived as better. 1Assignments 2Text in LMS 3Textbook 4Discussion forum 5Syllabus 6Interactive map 7Media 8Podcast 9Audio greetings 10Live office hours

Findings autonomydialogstructure 1Assignments 2Text in LMS 3Discussion forumTextbook 4 Discussion forum 5Syllabus 6Interactive mapMediaInteractive map 7MediaInteractive mapMedia 8PodcastAudio greetings 9 Podcast 10Live office hours

Future research Assessment instrument for online course designers and distance learning instructors (lessen transactional distance) Improve on learning outcomes for students (student-centered learning) Enhancing teacher education and setting example for constructivist teaching methods

Any questions? Dr. Cathy Cavanaugh Kathryn Kennedy