Distance learning has been growing rapidly in Brazil. From 2011 to 2021, there was a 474% increase in the number of new students in this format. In addition, more than 3.7 million students were enrolled in distance learning courses in 2021, accounting for about 41% of the total. The data comes from the recent Higher Education Census, conducted by the Anísio Teixeira National Institute for Educational Studies and Research (Inep) and the Ministry of Education (MEC).

The statistics point to new directions for the education sector. To get an idea of the transformation, from 2020 to 2021, distance learning saw a 23.3% increase in enrollment, while on-campus undergraduate programs experienced a 16.5% decline. In the private sector, 70.5% of students enrolled in 2021 did so through online courses. The growth of this learning format can be attributed to the rapid expansion and flexibility of education, as well as the impact of COVID-19.

“What happened during the pandemic was that many students tried the remote model and liked it, leading to a more significant shift toward distance learning,” says Celso Niskier, CEO of the Brazilian Association of Higher Education Institutions (ABMES). In his view, this model contributes to inclusion because it is more accessible.

Romero Tori, president of the Scientific Council of the Brazilian Association for Distance Education (ABED), adds that preconceptions against distance learning have been broken down due to the need to use this resource amid the pandemic. The expert warns, however, of the high number of courses offered at “ridiculously low prices” and “without a commitment to quality,” driven by student demand for “low-cost” certificates. According to Tori, this phenomenon is not unique to distance learning, as a similar trend has already been observed in in-person courses.

“What the Ministry of Education did was establish quality standards and adopt a more rigorous approach to accreditation and reaccreditation. Distance learning courses also undergo these evaluations. Therefore, the recommendation is that before enrolling in a course, you should check its status with the MEC and review its evaluation scores,” notes the president of ABED’s Scientific Council.

In 2020, for the first time in history, the number of students enrolling in distance learning programs exceeded the number of students beginning in-person undergraduate programs. In light of this trend, Niskier envisions a future for distance learning that is more regulated, while maintaining a commitment to quality. “Distance learning will certainly continue to grow, but not as an alternative to in-person learning—rather, in combination with it,” he says.

The CEO of ABMES also points out that the distinction between in-person and remote learning is likely to fade, paving the way for the emergence of technology-mediated education. As a result, it will be up to educational institutions to determine the balance between in-person and online course hours.

Tori also sees hybrid education as the path toward in-person courses and highlights the benefits and possibilities of remote learning for younger generations. “In a way, those who graduate with a solid grasp of digital media and the ability to work independently and with discipline will find it easier to thrive and enter the job market,” she concludes. 

In response to industry discussions, Bett Brasil will host the Ahead by Bett, an event dedicated to Higher and Professional Education, from May 9 to 12 at the Transamerica Expo Center in São Paulo. The event will bring together leaders, institutions, and solution providers—including those focused on distance learning, such as Instructure and B42, part of the Simplifica Ecosystem. Topics related to hybrid learning, employability, innovation (new teaching models), and the initial training of educators will also be discussed. 

The goal is to foster an environment for sharing ideas and exchanging experiences among educational institutions seeking digital transformation and new learning models and approaches, as well as to provide a space for suppliers in this sector to showcase their new products and innovations. Visit our website and find out how to participate in Ahead by Bett.