DISTANCE EDUCATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES: INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGIES FOR LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

The study analyzed the contributions of digital technologies and innovative methodologies to learning in distance education in higher education, considering their relationship with the organization of pedagogical practices, teacher mediation, interaction, and student participation. The research was guided by the following question: how do digital technologies and innovative methodologies contribute to learning in distance education in higher education? The general objective was to analyze the contributions of digital technologies and innovative methodologies to learning in distance education in higher education. Specifically, the study sought to analyze the contributions of digital technologies to the organization of pedagogical practices and learning processes in distance education in higher education and to identify the contributions of innovative methodologies to student participation, autonomy, and learning in distance higher education. Methodologically, the study was characterized as qualitative bibliographic research, based on Santana and Narciso (2025), through analytical and comparative reading of recent scientific publications related to the topic. The results showed that digital technologies expanded possibilities for communication, interaction, monitoring, and flexibility in academic practices, while innovative methodologies fostered autonomy, self-regulation, collaboration, and critical-reflective thinking. It was concluded that the quality of learning in distance education depended on the articulation between technologies, methodologies, planning, and pedagogical mediation.