ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPLIED TO DISTANCE EDUCATION: NEW FRONTIERS FOR DIGITAL LEARNING

Abstract

The study addressed the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Distance Education (DE), investigating its impact on the teaching and learning process. It sought to answer the question regarding the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of using AI in DE courses. The general objective was to analyze how this technology contributed to personalized learning, optimization of pedagogical processes, and increased accessibility. The research was developed through a literature review, based on works that discussed the pedagogical use of digital technologies and their integration into the educational context. The development discussed AI’s potential in personalizing learning and automating teaching tasks, as well as challenges related to technological dependence, teacher training, and data ethics. The final considerations indicated that AI represented an important tool for improving DE, provided its use was guided by pedagogical and humanistic principles. Its effectiveness depended on balancing technological innovation with the enhancement of teacher mediation, reinforcing the importance of critical and reflective teacher training.