Theoretical Challenges for Distance Education in the 21st Century: A Shift from Structural to Transactional Issues

Authors

  • Randy Garrison

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v1i1.2

Keywords:

theoretical developments, theory, transactional theory, theory development, theoretical frameworks, theoretical models

Abstract

Randy Garrison Abstract

The premise of this article is that theoretical frameworks and models are essential to the long-term credibility and viability of a field of practice. In order to assess the theoretical challenges facing the field of distance education, the significant theoretical contributions to distance education in the last century are briefly reviewed. This review of distance education as a field of study reveals an early preoccupation with organizational and structural constraints. However, the review also reveals that the theoretical development of the field is progressing from organizational to transactional issues and assumptions. The question is whether distance education has the theoretical foundation to take it into the 21st century and whether distance education theory development will keep pace with innovations in technology and practice.

Author Biography

Randy Garrison

Dr. Garrison (garrison@ucalgary.ca) is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta. Dr. Garrison�s areas of research are related to the teaching and learning transaction in the context of adult, distance, and higher education.

Published

2000-06-01

How to Cite

Garrison, R. (2000). Theoretical Challenges for Distance Education in the 21st Century: A Shift from Structural to Transactional Issues. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v1i1.2

Issue

Section

Research Articles