Distance learning (EAD) is a modality on the rise in Brazil. Every year, thousands of new courses are recognized by the MEC and enrollments in distance learning courses now exceed one million, according to the latest Higher Education Census.

Thanks to EAD, people who were previously unable to attend a university in person can obtain a higher education degree recognized by the MEC with maximum comfort and minimum travel. And those are just two of the advantages of distance learning.

1. Convenience

With distance learning, it is the student who chooses when and where to study. The contents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the Internet and it is not necessary to comply with fixed hours to do most activities.
Distance learning courses also have virtual libraries, whose collection is also accessible at all times.

2. Time saving

The fact that you don't have to go to college every day is a great advantage of distance learning. The student can access the content wherever they are and at the most convenient times for their routine.

Laboratory activities, tests and final work are done in person and are foreseen in the course calendar.

3. Saving money

In distance learning courses, monthly fees are usually more affordable than those for face-to-face courses. In addition, the student spends less on travel, food outside the home and even on materials, as much of the bibliography can be consulted online.

4. Innovative Pedagogy

Sitting in a classroom and listening to the teacher speak is a thing of the past. Thanks to new communication technologies, students of distance learning courses have a series of tools to support learning and can interact with the teacher, colleagues and tutors through forums, chats, videoconferences, simulations and online exercises.

One of the concerns of those who develop distance courses is to ensure that the student remains connected for the time necessary to assimilate the contents. Therefore, new forms of presentation and interaction are created that facilitate learning in a playful and effective way, holding the student's attention.

5. Interaction

Anyone who thinks that in EAD the student studies all the time isolated is wrong. An important part of learning takes place precisely in the interaction with teachers, colleagues and tutors, a practice that is highly stimulated in distance courses.

More shy people, who do not always feel comfortable expressing their doubts and opinions, find in the distance learning environment a free space to make their contributions.

6. Inclusion

Distance learning has proved to be a powerful tool for inclusion and access to quality education. People who, for some reason, cannot attend face-to-face courses benefit from distance learning.

One of the criteria that the MEC takes into account when authorizing institutions and distance courses is the guarantee of accessibility for people with disabilities. The number of vacancies offered and the number and location of face-to-face support centers are also evaluated.

For those who need to combine studies with other activities, such as full-time work or family care, distance learning is a very interesting alternative.

7. Recognition

Universities that intend to offer distance learning courses undergo strict control by the Ministry of Education (MEC). Questions such as teacher qualifications, curriculum, didactic-pedagogical resources, the physical infrastructure of the support centers and the technological infrastructure of the communication systems used are evaluated.

Distance learning courses also undergo the same assessments as face-to-face courses by the MEC.

Upon obtaining a higher education degree in a distance learning course recognized by the MEC, the student is guaranteed that the document is valid throughout the national territory, whether to look for a job, take a public exam or continue their studies in a postgraduate course. .

8. Discipline

Organization and discipline end up being ?side effects? of those who take an EAD course. Without a fixed schedule to follow, the student organizes himself to attend classes and do the week's activities. They are encouraged to follow their own pace and also develop a sense of discipline and autonomy, characteristics that are highly valued in the job market.

Source: EAD