An investigation of generative artificial intelligence in terms of transactional proximity and perception of reality: A study on open and distance learners

This study aims to examine human-chatbot interaction and investigate the transactional proximity and perception of reality of online distance learners in open and distance learning systems based on generative AI in terms of variables such as age, gender, achievement, type of registration, and amount of eCampus usage. In this context, valid and reliable measurement tools have been developed to measure the variables of transactional proximity and perception of reality of online distance learners based on generative AI. The research was planned and conducted in accordance with the cross-sectional survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. Determining the relationships between variables is an example of correlational research. Following the procedures, two valid and reliable scales were obtained to measure the variables of generative AI transactional proximity and perception of reality. In addition, various analyses conducted on data obtained from 639 students enrolled in distance education at a state university revealed that productive AI transactional proximity and perception of reality are only significant in terms of the age variable. Accordingly, the results of the study were discussed in line with the relevant literature, and recommendations were made to create practical implications. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Generative Artificial Intelligence, Distance Education, Open and Distance Learning, Open Education, Transactional Distance, Transactional Proximity