Transactional Distance and Adaptive Learning

<p><em>Transactional Distance and Adaptive Learning </em>takes a fresh look at one of the pioneering educational theories that accommodates the impact of information and communications technologies in learning. The theory of transactional distance (TTD) provides a distinct analytical and planning foundation for educators to conduct an overarching inquiry into transitioning from mass instructional and management systems in higher education to dynamic and transformational futures that focus on each individual learner. </p><p>Based on the TTD this pragmatic approach offers instructors administrators students and other stakeholders a comprehensive planning method to assess the current state of their instructional learning and management practices and to develop alternative models to prescribe future improvements in their institution. This complex self-organized and adaptive method includes current and emergent properties of:</p><ul> <p> </p> <li>hardware software and telecommunications systems that allow faculty students and administrators to communicate;</li> <p> </p> <li>instructional and curriculum systems that provide teaching and learning environments for faculty and students; and</li> <p> </p> <li>management societal and global systems that influence how institutions are supported funded and managed.</li> </ul>