EDUCATIONAL TRANSFORMATION: THE RISE OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN BRAZIL

Abstract

The Brazilian educational scenario has undergone a significant transformation with the significant growth of Distance Learning (EaD) in the last decade. Data from the 2021 Higher Education Census reveal a 474% increase in distance learning from 2011 to 2021, making Brazil a large global market for this modality. The expansion of the internet, increased supply, cost reduction and flexibility were catalysts for this phenomenon. This article explores not only the quantitative growth of distance learning, but also the underlying drivers and associated challenges. Benefits such as democratization of access, flexibility and the possibility of studying anywhere in the country are evident, but challenges arise, such as ensuring quality, legislative adaptation and efficient regulation. The analysis covers quantitative data on entrants to undergraduate courses, the evolution of enrollments in the private network and specific details about higher technology courses. Distance learning stands out in courses such as Human Resources Management and Systems Analysis and Development. The global contextualization places Brazil as the fourth largest distance learning market, highlighting its uniqueness. Benefits include democratization of access and flexibility, but challenges such as quality and efficient regulation are crucial. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of ensuring quality in distance learning, suggesting legislative adjustments and efficient regulation to ensure quality higher education in the 21st century. The study was based on data from the 2021 Higher Education Census and quantitative and qualitative analyses.