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psychological gap that can cause misunderstanding among the participants. This gap is called
the Transactional Distance. In other words, this is the feeling of emotional distance
(separation) felt by the teacher or learner in the online environment. Obstacles caused by this
distance can be eliminated by means of simultaneous transfer of information with audio and
video. There is a difference between the technological possibilities when Moore introduced
this concept and today. Programs that allow simultaneous data transfer ensure that this sense
of distance is reduced thanks to both the camera and the microphone.
However, many educators who are accustomed to face-to-face education find themselves in a
difficult situation in online education and that they use some measures in order not to lose
classroom control. One of the most frequently used methods by teachers is turning off the
video communication and continuing the education is only with the voice of the teacher and
the teaching material reflected on the screen. It is also known that the cameras of the students
are turned off because they do not want to give up their sense of comfort. In addition, it is
claimed that the cameras are turned off in order to prevent overloading the internet
infrastructure and programs such as Zoom.
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As it is known, body language, gestures and facial expressions are indispensable supporters of
oral communication. Effective communication actually occurs with the combination of verbal
and non-verbal communication and the use of these two elements together. The co-existence
of communication forms shows that the communication process should be more than a voice
exchange between the teacher and the student in online education as well. When instructors
and learners do not regard online classes as different from face-to-face education and ensure
opening the communication channels both at camera and microphone level, the quality of
communication will certainly improve. Make sure you turn on your camera during classes and
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