O que leva os estudantes do ensino médio a se interessarem pela EaD? Uma análise no curso de letras – português, licenciatura a distância, da Unipampa

Abstract

This dissertation, developed in the Graduate Program in Education at the Federal University of Pampa, investigated the causes that made high school students choose Distance Learning in the Portuguese Language Teaching course, a distance learning program offered by Unipampa. The general objective of the study was to discover what motivates these students to choose Distance Learning, aiming to understand the expectations and reasons influencing this decision. The research adopted a quanti-qualitative approach, using questionnaires and discussion circles to collect data from students who enrolled in the course in the second semester of 2023. The results indicated that schedule flexibility and geographic accessibility are the main attractions of Distance Learning. However, the need for more effective vocational guidance in high school was highlighted to better prepare students for the demands and decisions of higher education. The study concludes that it is essential to develop educational policies that expand and improve the provision of Distance Learning courses, aiming not only for inclusion and accessibility but also for the quality of distance education. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of students' expectations regarding Distance Learning, providing important insights for the improvement of institutional policies and pedagogical practices in distance learning courses.