ERIC Number: EJ814823
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Nov
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0268-0513
EISSN: N/A
Rethinking Distance Learning Activities: A Comparison of Transactional Distance Theory and Activity Theory
Kang, Haijun; Gyorke, Allan S.
Open Learning, v23 n3 p203-214 Nov 2008
Despite its invaluable guidance to distance education development, transactional distance (TD) theory is not seamlessly synchronised with current field practice and lacks a social component. After it has provided over 30 years of guidance, there is now a need to re-appraise TD's propositions about distance learning activities. The social-cultural aspects of the distance learner need to be highlighted because social learning is prominent in today's practice. To address this concern, we compared TD with a social science theory--cultural-historical activity theory. This cultural-historical activity theory provides a different lens for us to explore distance learning activities--a social lens. We compare the major concepts of the two theories and illustrate some areas of compatibility. We explore the contradictions that arise from the collision of these two theories and recommend future directions for research. (Contains 3 figures.)
Descriptors: Socialization, Learning Activities, Distance Education, Social Sciences, Guidance, Comparative Analysis, Social Networks, Web Sites
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A