Describe and analyze the three categories used by Michael Moore?

Stephanie Martin

OMDE 601

3-14-2009

Assignment 2

Describe and analyze the three categories used by Michael Moore in his theory of
transactional distance.

Michael Moore’s theory of transactional distance describes key elements that

the author feels weigh on how autonomous a learner will be, dialog and structure.
The author states that when either of these two elements is changed in either
direction, higher or lower, the transactional distance in learning will change as well.
(Bermath & Vidal, 2007)

In order for a learner to be independent of the classroom, autonomous, there

must be both structure and dialog in the distance learning. If the learner is reliant
on the campus than there is no autonomy, thus distance learning does not take
place in its true form.

The author’s theory deals with the key elements in transactional distance
learning and how they relate to learners; these elements being autonomy, dialogue
and structure. When this study was done it was based on adult learners, since the
author felt that the younger learners would need more nurturing which is offered in
face to face courses. The author demonstrates that when autonomy shifts it causes
structure to shift and the same is true for dialog based on autonomy. This theory
shows how flexible learning can be based on the autonomy, dialog and structure of
the teaching.

Moore’s theory relates the way the learner uses the information given and
how the teacher gives that information. The author states that if there is more
dialogue and no structure then the teacher is free to adjust to the learner’s
emotional and physical needs. If there is no dialogue and high structure than the
learner has no chose but to follow the strict structure of the lesson with no
negotiation. There is also another theory that could be used here and that is the
learner may be highly independent and draw from the teachings what they need,
moving ahead on their own. This would seem to be ideal since every teacher’s goal
should be to have the student be dependent or self-directed. (Moore, 1987)

So as you can see by the above statement when one of these requirements
adjusts down then the other will adjust up. This will force the learner to adjust to
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the way that the course material is being presented. The author refers to this event
as “a set of tiered platforms. As one steps away from the origin (dialog or
structure), the steps also increase in height (autonomy).” The author also puts
this theory into a functional set of two variables that affect each other in a plus and
minus equation. (Bermath & Vidal, 2007)

In conclusion, Moore’s theory is based on the two key components to

autonomous learning and that is structure and dialog. Each distance course has
both of these elements built into them and the key to “transactional distance” is
what portion of each is put into place. As the dialog is added (plus) then the
structure is subtracted (minus) and when the structure is added (plus) then the
dialog is subtracted (minus). An ideal course would be the one with an equal
amount of dialog and structure. Although, this type of teaching doesn’t work for all
students so the need for the plus and minus equation come into play. There are
some students who will be more autonomous than others and this is the third
element of this theory, the self-directed learner.
 Describe and analyze the three categories used by Michael Moore?

Reference List

Bernath, B., & Vidal, M. (2007). The theories and the theorists: Why theory is important for research.
Distance et saviors, 5(3), 427-458.

Moore, M. (1986). Self-directed learning and distance education. Journal of Distance

Education. 1, 7-24.