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Distance learning in engineering is growing in Brazil! With impressive growth, distance learning is already surpassing in-person courses. The Ministry of Education is intervening, and the job market is watching with concern.
A notable shift has been observed in students’ preference for more flexible and accessible teaching methods.
This trend reflects not only technological advances, but also adaptations to contemporary learning needs.
Distance learning (EAD) in undergraduate courses, particularly in engineering, has seen significant growth in Brazil.
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According to data from the 2022 Higher Education Census, over the last ten years, there has been an increase of 289% in enrollments in distance learning undergraduate courses.
Specifically in the field of engineering, this modality has attracted a growing number of students, surpassing, in some cases, enrollments in face-to-face courses.
No Rio Grande do Sul, for example, in 2023, 56,6% of entrants to engineering courses opted for distance learning, while 43,4% chose the in-person format, as shown in a report on the portal Zero Hour.
At a national level, the trend continues. According to recent surveys, 55% of new engineering students opted for distance learning courses, surpassing in-person enrollments. The phenomenon marks a turning point in the engineering teaching model in Brazil.
Factors driving the growth of distance learning
Several elements contribute to the popularization of distance engineering courses.
The expansion of internet technologies and the development of virtual learning environments provide more flexible and accessible education.
For many students, distance learning offers the possibility of reconcile studies with professional and personal commitments, eliminating the need to travel and allowing a personalized learning pace.
Additionally, we bring the reduced cost of monthly fees for distance learning courses, when compared to face-to-face teaching, makes this option more viable for a significant portion of the population.
Another relevant factor is the wide range of courses and accredited institutions, allowing students from more remote regions to have access to engineering training without having to travel to large urban centers.
Challenges faced by distance learning in engineering
Despite the benefits, the growth of distance learning in engineering raises concerns about the quality of training offered.
Engineering courses traditionally rely on hands-on experiences, such as labs and field activities, that may be difficult to replicate in a virtual environment.
Additionally, we bring face-to-face interaction between students and teachers is considered crucial for the development of technical and social skills essential in the profession.
Experts point out that an engineer's training depends not only on theoretical knowledge, but also on supervised practice, teamwork and real-time problem-solving.
Regulatory measures and future directions
In response to these concerns, the the Ministry of Education (MEC): suspended, until March 2025, the creation of new distance learning undergraduate courses, including those in the area of engineering.
The decision, published in the Official Gazette of the Union in June 2024, also suspends the expansion of the number of vacancies and the creation of new distance learning centers by institutions.
The goal is review assessment instruments and establish new quality benchmarks for offering distance learning undergraduate courses.
Meanwhile, some universities have adopted a hybrid model, in which part of the theoretical subjects are offered remotely, but laboratory and practical activities take place in person.
This approach can represent a middle ground between accessibility and educational excellence.
Impact on the labor market and professional training
The expansion of distance learning in engineering has direct implications on the labor market.
A Training well-qualified professionals is essential for the country's competitiveness.
While distance education increases accessibility to higher education, there are concerns about the impact of potentially inferior training in the quality of professionals entering the market.
Employers may question the practical and theoretical preparation of graduates from distance learning courses, especially in areas that require advanced technical skills.
Companies in the engineering sector have been reporting difficulties in hiring professionals who acquired their training entirely remotely, especially due to their lesser experience in practical projects and real-world applications.
The role of technology in the evolution of distance learning
Technology plays a central role in the evolution of distance learning.
innovations like virtual and augmented reality, remote laboratories and artificial intelligence are being explored to enrich the learning experience of engineering students.
These tools have the potential to replicate, and even enhance, traditional hands-on experiences by offering students immersive and interactive learning opportunities.
Furthermore, the use of adaptive platforms and artificial intelligence can help personalize teaching, adjusting content and challenges according to each student's performance and learning pace.
With the advancement of new technologies and the adaptation of institutions, distance learning in engineering may continue to grow, but concern for the quality of training remains a central challenge for the coming years.
A USELESS **** liked it loved it.
A useless ****.
This article talks a lot and says little. For example, how will HEIs deal with the skyrocketing cost of information technologies needed for these “virtual environments?” In the state of the art, these systems are already expensive, given their relatively low current use. Imagine what it will be like with an explosion in demand.
In-person courses are for those who don't work and have someone to pay their expenses.