Collaborative learning networks: the contribution of distance education in the qualification process for managers of the Brazilian National Health System - SUS

This paper examines the experience of the specialization course in Public Health: major in Municipal Public Management, developed in the state of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, in order to qualify managers of Sistema Unico de Saude (SUS - National Health System) according to the Continuing Health Education policy. Net-Escola de Saude Coletiva developed the course design and operation, articulating the presuppositions of Distance Education and Continuing Health Education, guided by the competencies that are necessary to manage the SUS in order to strengthen projects and activities that integrate education and work. The course was developed between 2009 and 2010, with 150 places for municipal health managers and their teams, based on the all-all interaction and on the construction of collaborative knowledge. It strengthened the subjects' autonomy and authorship, by means of interactivity in the virtual learning environment, aiming to develop collaborative learning networks. This study analyses how the teaching strategy was developed, outlining the challenges faced in the teaching and learning process.