Distance learning courses, the so-called EaD, have gained increasing space among those who intend to complete a higher education course. Autonomy, flexibility and lower monthly fees are items that favor the take off of this modality. So much so that recent research points out that it can overcome face-to-face graduations in a period of up to five years.
The survey was carried out and published by the Brazilian Association of Higher Education Supporters (ABMES). The numbers show that, compared to face-to-face courses, EaD grew considerably more. At this rate, by 2013, 49% of students will be enrolled in traditional graduations, against 51% opting for distance courses.
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Currently, the preference for conventional classrooms is even greater. In the universe of 1,012 respondents, the option for face-to-face teaching corresponds to 56% while 44% prefer distance courses. However, the statistic changes when asked about the option of offering part of the subjects of an EaD course in person – 93% would accept the proposal.
What still prevents acceptance is the insecurity regarding the space in the labor market for graduates in EaD. Among those interviewed who would not accept, in any way, the distance graduation, 62% used the fear of not getting a job or not being selected for interviews as a justification. Experts point out that this fear may decrease with the growth of courses.
In a statement quoted in the Student Guide, the vice-president of ABMES, Celso Niskier, states that, insofar as that “more students graduate in this modality, the more the performance of professionals will be equivalent”. Therefore, the fear of not finding space in the labor market tends to be reduced.
What corroborates the expectation of growth in this modality is the greater receptivity indicated by employers regarding candidates who graduated from a distance course. One of the factors that help in this space is the involvement of a prestigious university. The truth is that the number of enrollments in EaD is already expressive.
Currently, they correspond to 18.6% of enrollments in higher education courses. The Northeast region is the one with the highest number of students. As for the most sought after courses, the Education area is the one that comes out ahead, according to the same survey carried out by ABMES. Below is a profile of students who opt for both modalities:
EAD: 67% of students are over 30 years old, 83% work, 25% belong to classes A and B, 75% studied in public schools, 25% studied in private schools
Classroom: 53% of students are over 30 years old, 76% work, 33% belong to classes A and B, 64% studied in public schools, 36% studied in private schools
As for distance education graduates' fear of not doing well in a job interview, Cristóvão Loureiro, from Catho Educação, gives some tips. As an example, he cites listing his top five career accomplishments, showing personality that sets him apart from other candidates, research the company you intend to work for and, if you still feel insecure, only mention the EaD course if the interviewer to ask.
