The Importance of Relationships for a Quality Learning Environment in Interactive TV Classrooms

Abstract

This article describes the wide range of roles developed as part of a distance education program, with an emphasis on the importance of students' relationships with the people in these roles—a critical and controversial aspect of the new “electronic classroom” (Treagust, Waldrip, & Horley, 1993). Analysis based on data collected from on- and off-campus students, faculty, and staff indicates that many types of relationships among individuals involved in a distance education program are important in creating a positive learning environment.