At a time when the pandemic is forcing everyone into social isolation, educational institutions have sought solutions to ensure that physical distancing does not also mean a break from teaching and learning, and online education has been one option.

Distance education (EAD) “is an educational model in which students and teachers are separated—either physically or temporally—and therefore requires the use of information and communication technologies” (MEC), and online education is one of the alternatives to distance education.

With activities at schools and institutions of higher education (HEIs) suspended, there was an unprecedented rush toward distance learning and online education.

Associations, sponsoring organizations, unions, and the National Education Council (CNE) have already issued official statements providing guidance to administrators of educational institutions across the country. In its statement, ABED (Brazilian Association of Distance Education) urges educators and educational organizations to seek support from professionals with experience in distance education.

"Distance learning, which is not merely a stopgap measure for times of crisis, will prevent nearly half of the world's students from being unable to attend school, which underscores its importance," the document states.

Abed provides a media library on its website that includes podcasts, videos, images, texts, legal documents, and various other resources that can serve as support during this transition phase for educators, schools, and higher education institutions. It also offers support from its individual and institutionalmembers, as well as sponsoring organizations, to promote important initiatives in support of distance learning on its social media channels.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian Association of Higher Education Institutions (ABMES) is monitoring the operations of higher education institutions on a daily basis in light of the developments surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID–19) in Brazil. The association is also available to answer any questions on the subject.

According to monitoring data, in-person classes at institutions of higher education (IES) in all Brazilian states and the Federal District were suspended pursuant to gubernatorial decrees, affecting both private and public institutions. Even in cases where the executive branch’s measures did not extend to the private sector, the measure was nonetheless adopted as a way to combat the spread of COVID–19 in the country.

According to Luiz Roberto Liza Curi, president of the National Education Council (CNE), “the legal framework underpinning the higher education regulatory system provides alternatives to support the teaching and learning process in contexts characterized by the absence of face-to-face contact between students and faculty in the same physical environment—a key element of in-person instruction.” 

Bett Educar continues to support all initiatives that promote Brazilian education and those who seek solutions by combining innovation and technology with education.