ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance of developing personal relations within online and blended learning contexts between tutors, learners, peers and the providing educational institution. Prominent theorisations within distance education discourses, such as Holmberg's Theory of Distance Education Based on Empathy and Moore's Transactional Distance Theory, underpin this discussion and connections are made to theorisations of emotional intelligence. Finally, practical measures are presented that e-tutors can take to foster tutor/learner relations in higher education online and blended learning environments.
