A modalidade de ensino a distância e a democratização do ensino superior

Abstract

The present dissertation is the result of research that aims, as its central objective, to analyze the relationship between distance education and the democratization of higher education, based on the Paulista region of Vale do Ribeira. This region is known, on one hand for its natural wealth, but on the other, for its low human development index and the difficulties regarding access to higher education. The central question in this discussion is: how to address the quality of the education offered by distance learning as an integral part of the right to education, especially to serve the segment of society that is marginalized from access to higher education, with the locus of the research being the above-mentioned region. The research is of a qualitative nature and is being constructed based on bibliographic research, analysis of documents, legislations and verification on historical issues. In the first chapter, we analyze the interests involving distance education, check how it can be considered as a social right, the way it may add value to the involved parties, and how it can assist in the democratization of higher education. Following this, in the second chapter, we will address the quality of higher education, considering the nuances that involve massification, commodification, the establishment of public policies, and the evaluations carried out by the Ministry of Education. Finally, in the third chapter, we will address the Paulista region of Vale do Ribeira, its social and cultural conditions, and how distance learning can contribute to the social advancement of this region. Given the theme addressed, it is considered possible to establish social progress through distance education and the way it transmits knowledge, considering the focus on quality and continuous assessment to be fundamental. Given that the topic is involved with complex issues, it is considered necessary to establish concrete actions, especially in public policies, so that distance learning aids in the path towards the democratization of higher education.