ERIC Number: EJ1046484
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0892-3647
EISSN: N/A
Relative Proximity Theory: Measuring the Gap between Actual and Ideal Online Course Delivery
Swart, William; MacLeod, Kenneth; Paul, Ravi; Zhang, Aixiu; Gagulic, Mario
American Journal of Distance Education, v28 n4 p222-240 2014
Based on the Theory of Transactional Distance and Needs Assessment, this article reports a procedure for quantitatively measuring how close the actual delivery of a course was to ideal, as perceived by students. It extends Zhang's instrument and prescribes the computational steps to calculate relative proximity at the element and construct level. Radar graphs are shown to provide a useful visualization of relative proximity. Stepwise multiple regression is used to determine the impact of changes in construct relative proximity on student satisfaction. This allows for the implementation of a systematic, data-based, continuous course improvement process.
Descriptors: Statistical Analysis, Delivery Systems, Visualization, Proximity, Graphs, Multiple Regression Analysis, Change, Student Attitudes, Satisfaction, Online Courses, Theories, College Students, Educational Technology, Student Surveys, Blended Learning, Instructional Effectiveness
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 - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A