Steve queries whether it is his understanding of the concept of 'structure' that is flawed. I found, on the contrary, that Steve's analysis and understanding is clear. Let me share my thoughts. Firstly, I think the concept of 'transactional distance' lacks construct validity. Transactions', are in fact 'interactions'.
Interactions are communicative acts and are, in essence, bridges across distance.
The term 'transactional distance' lacks internal logic. Secondly, I think the concept lacks predictive validity. Here is the evidence I'll cite. Their small study of transactional distance in an audioconferencing course indicates that the hypothesis that increased dialogue means decreased structure is not consistently supported. My own experience, and that of my colleague in this field, is that decreased structure results in decreased dialogue.