Distance education is a category of education in which the transmission and sharing of knowledge is done through educational technologies .
Even before current technologies make such connections possible, some moves towards distance learning were already practiced in Brazil.
An example of this is the correspondence courses that have existed in the country since the 1940s. The Post Office and students mediated them received their textbooks at home to study independently.
Rede Globo ‘s Telecourse 2000 is another pioneering initiative in distance learning. The classes were broadcast on TV every morning and instructed viewers with examples based on everyday situations.
With the new technologies, this type of education has been transformed. Today, they are online tools that make it possible for students and teachers to connect without the need to be together in the same place or even day and time, but still in contact with each other. The exchange of information became more dynamic and the contact closer.
In addition, the internet has made it possible for different levels of education to be delivered online, as we will see below.
Why is distance learning growing?
As we mentioned in the introduction to the text, everything indicates that in the coming years online courses will surpass face-to-face education in terms of the number of students enrolled.
To better understand this phenomenon, we need to think about what makes students choose the model. In other words, we need to consider the benefits of distance learning as reasons for this growth.
1. Autonomy
Distance learning allows students to organize themselves in the way they find most appropriate and productive, using techniques they consider best for their learning.
In distance education, it is the student who dictates the pace of classes and how they want to organize themselves in their daily lives, which is a great attraction for students of all ages today.
2. Time flexibility
Along with autonomy, schedule flexibility is a great benefit for students. Especially for those who are already in the job market and looking for additional training or even earning a higher education degree.
With distance learning, it is possible to attend classes when you have a little extra time or at unconventional times, which are not offered by face-to-face teaching institutions.
3. Convenience
Not having to travel to a school or college is another attraction that has increased the demand for distance learning in Brazil.
Distance education allows students to access their classes anywhere, whether at home, at work or while traveling, as well as saving time spent on commuting and traffic.
4. Update
Many professionals have little time outside of work to seek updates in their areas or learn something new. On the other hand, the market demands more and more prepared workers who are aware of all the news.
In this scenario, the possibility of updating through distance learning, which as we have seen can be accessed whenever and wherever you want, becomes a great attraction and even an incentive for several professionals to keep learning up to date.
5. Economy
The pocket dictates many rules in people’s daily lives and lower prices are always good news, isn’t it?
Distance learning has lower costs compared to face-to-face teaching modalities. This is because there are no expenses, such as renting large physical spaces and/or classrooms, displacement of teachers, furniture such as tables and desks, maintenance of these spaces, among others.
Therefore, distance learning is often more affordable, which attracts many students.
In addition, students end up avoiding other expenses such as transport.
