Recently, a decision by the National Education Council has been causing concern among students and administrators at distance-learning universities across the country. The CNE decided to limit online activities in distance-learning teacher-training programs, such as education. The council proposes that students be required to complete at least half of the course load in-person. The change is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Education.

To discuss this topic, the Ahead Forum hosted a panel discussion titled “Quality in Distance Education: Where Are We and Where Are We Headed?”, featuring João Vianney, a consultant at Hoper Educação; Luiz Cláudio Costa, president of IESB; and João Mattar, president of the Brazilian Association of Distance Education (ABED).

Moderator João Vianney opened the panel by noting that distance education in Brazil began to be promoted in the 1970s, initially in the field of agronomy through course booklets, but it was not until 1995 that legislation was enacted, at which point undergraduate programs began to be offered in the distance education format, with education being the first bachelor’s degree program to be implemented. According to him, 4.5 million students are currently enrolled in distance learning undergraduate programs in the country.

For Luiz Cláudio, it is essential to broaden the discussion on the benefits of distance learning and build its reputation, as well as to combat any prejudices against the model. “We cannot discuss quality based on the mode of delivery; both need to have their own performance indicators. There are several positive aspects to distance learning, such as sustainability, democratization of access, and, above all, technological advancements,” he stated.

The speaker also stated that, according to studies, we are close to having the first university built entirely by Artificial Intelligence. “AI will be as commonplace in our daily lives as our smartphones. Given that, do you think this world will be in-person or digital?” added Luiz Cláudio.

The president of ABED expressed concern about the decline in the supply of teachers in light of the CNE’s measure and emphasized the need to discuss the issue with national agencies and industry organizations. “We’re going against the global trend. While most countries are improving their distance learning technologies, in Brazil we’re debating which model is best and moving backward in the face of progress. We cannot continue to operate within this polarized mindset; we need dialogue,” emphasized João Mattar.

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